Aussie Easter Celebrations Across Sydney

The Reclaim Easter Celebrations climax this weekend with marches of celebration and festivals in the heart of every capital city. Hundreds of cities and towns across the country will participate in the national celebrations involving thousands from across denominations and many ordinary Australians.

At the march in Sydney, Anglican Archbishop Harry Goodhew will give the Easter message and thousands of green and gold balloons will be part of a balloon wave.

1. Good Friday All Night Prayer Vigils
6pm Good Friday to 6am Saturday
The prayers of school children are once again a feature at this years prayer vigils. From across the denominational spectrum, Christians will gather in 70 mostly outdoor locations and will be linked through the night by mobile phone.

15 of these sites will be in Sydney at places like Bondi, Auburn, Ingleburn and Mona Vale. After an opening programme between 6 and 7pm where a huge three-wick candle will be lit, the vigil will continue until dawn when the concluding service will be held.
Visual Features: Lighting of candles, prayers.

2. Easter Sunday Opera House Celebration

Briefing Rallies
12.50pm Bradfield Park north -Milsons Point
1.10pm Sydney Square -Town Hall
1.30pm Hyde Park north - St James
1.35pm First Fleet Park -Circular Quay
Church leaders begin to welcome people, singing and prayer as people prepare to march. Live broadcast of the march begins on 96.9FM as part of a national link up with other cities. Colourful processions depart for the Opera House.
The Opera House Forecourt
2.45pm Four marches led by donkeys, church leaders and ethnic dancers arrive at the Opera House Forecourt to the singing of a 60 voice Korean choir

Archbishop Goodhew welcomes the crowd and gives the Easter message. A Greek Orthodox greeting will be shared followed by a Mexican balloon wave with thousands of green and gold balloons. Celebrating 2000 is launched which will see up to 100,000 people converge on Stadium Australia on June 10 for the Global March as part of the Christian Churches international millennial celebrations.

4.10pm Official programme finishes and a concert begins featuring finalists in the National Gospel Eisteddfod.

More information contact:
Dave Mitchell
Awakening 2000
NSW (02) 9789 4888
E-mail: sydney@fusion.org.au

or contact your Awakening State Office