Paschal light. (Eastern Orthodox Church Easter service)(Living by the Word)(Column)

When my daughter Katherine was 16, she and her friends decided to put on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The parents of the actors gathered in a neighbors living room for the performance. My wife and I were impressed by our amateur thespians. We were also impressed with the play itself -- that is, until the end of the performance. The crucifixion of jesus was dramatically and movingly performed. But something very important was left out. There was no mention of the resurrection.

The New Testament readings point to the inseparable relationship of Good Friday and…