Easter Vigil- “This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.”
The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday March 26th @ 8 PM.
The Great Vigil, when observed, is the first service of Easter Day. It will be celebrated at 8 PM on March 26th beginning outside with the Service of Light.
The service normally consists of four parts:
1. The Service of Light.
2. The Service of Lessons.
3. Christian Initiation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.
4. The Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion.
The Vigil begins outside on where in the darkness, fire is kindled. The celebrant will then greet the people and address them in these or similar words.
“Dear friends in Christ, on this most holy night, when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life, the Church invites her children throughout the world to come together in vigil and prayer. This is the Passover of the Lord. We remember his death and resurrection by hearing his word and celebrating his mysteries; we are confident that we shall share his victory over death and live with him for ever in God.” (BAS)