Santa Rosa Memorial Park’s Annual Sunrise Service

Easter Sunday Service, a


celebrated Christian service the world over, will again be offered at Santa


Rosa Memorial Park. The 6:30 a.m. service takes place on Sunday, April 20 at 1900


Franklin Avenue in Santa Rosa.

            Pastor Zach


Vestnys of Petaluma’s Calvary Chapel will lead this annual event which has


roots dating back to 18th century Saxony. The Moravian event began


as an all night prayer vigil led by the single men of the congregation.  Just before dawn these unmarried men went to


the town's graveyard to sing hymns to Jesus, their Savior, who had overcome death.  The following year the whole congregation met


in the cemetery as the sun rose. Hence, the sunrise service was born. 

            There are


many ideas and legends as to why the service was held at sunrise in the first


place.  Some people believe it originated


in the Middle Ages.  One Medieval legend


says that on Easter Sunday the sun danced up and down, welcoming Christ out of


the grave.  There is also the idea that centuries


ago sun worshipers gathered annually to worship the sun rise.  It is also believed that in an attempt to end


the pagan sun worship Christians began celebrating Easter (the day Jesus Christ


rose from the dead) on the same day.

             Some churches hold the sunrise service at the


cemetery to remind people that Jesus no longer lies in a tomb.  Other churches also hold a celebratory breakfast


after the service.

            America's first and most famous sunrise service


was held in 1773 in Winston-Salem,


North Carolina. The service was


held by the Moravian church to mark the empty tomb that awaited Mary on Easter


Sunday.  Today, over 600 people still


gather at the famous graveyard in Winston-Salem,


“God's Acre,” to celebrate the Resurrection. 

            All are


welcome. Outdoor seating will be provided and warm clothing is advised. For


information: (707) 542-1580.