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Duke Chapel to Host All Hallows' Eve Service Oct. 31

The candlelight service harkens back to the holiday's origins

Duke Chapel will host an All Hallows' Eve worship service at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The service is open to the public and Halloween costumes are welcomed, but not required.

The candlelight service, which harkens back to the holiday's origins, reflects on the role of saints in the faith -- through music, scripture and readings about particular saints from the Christian tradition. 

It will begin around a small fire at the foot of the chapel steps. The Vespers Ensemble will lead the congregation in choral music, and Holy Communion will be celebrated.

"The All Hallows Eve service at Duke Chapel seeks to create a space to reflect on the witness of the saints from various times and places in history," said the Rev. Meghan Feldmeyer, director of worship at the chapel. "It is also a poignant occasion to reflect on those near and dear to us who have died and who have left their mark on our lives.

"It is a beautiful service of both lament and hope."

The All Hallows' Eve service is celebrated the night before All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day. The early Christian church followed the Jewish custom that a new day began at sundown; thus, feasts and festivals in the church were observed beginning on the night before. The night before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows' Eve, or Halloween.