The Great Vigil of Easter

The Great Vigil of Easter was celebrated as early the 2nd century as recorded in the Apostolic Traditions of Hippolytus. Marion Hatchett writes in his commentary on the American Prayer Book,

In the Great Vigil of Easter we celebrate and make present the pivotal events of the Old and New Testament heritage, the Passover of the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery in Egypt to the freedom of the Promised Land, the Passover of our Lord Jesus Christ from death, and our own Passover from the bondage of sin and death to the glorious liberty of new life in Jesus Christ.

The vigil opens with the kindling of a new fire and the blessing of the fire. From the new fire the Paschal Candle is lit and taken into the church to the chant “The light of Christ, thanks be to God." From the light of the Paschal Candle other candles are lit, before it is placed by the reading stand. A deacon or member of the congregation then sings the Exsultet, a poetic prayer for light which celebrates the victory of our mighty King. Symbolically, this light of Christ is how the lessons are then read. This year, the traditional nine lessons will be read. Between each lesson, canticles, psalms, or anthems are interspersed, which amplify the meaning of the lesson.

For many centuries the Great Vigil was the one time each year when new members, known as Catechumens, were baptized and received into the complete fellowship of the church. Our vigil service this year will have a time for renewal of our Baptismal Vows, followed by the Eucharist.

The Eucharist at the vigil is considered the first Easter Day service of Holy Communion. Once again, the celebrant will proclaim Alleluia. Christ is risen!  This is the first time since the beginning of Lent that we have heard the word "Alleluia."  It is followed by the people's response, The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! Later in the Eucharistic prayer is the proclamation, Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. The congregation responds, Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia! It is during the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis when the chapel is transformed from its Lenten bareness into full Easter glory as the lilies are brought in and candles on the altar are lit.

In some parishes, following the Easter Blessing and final dismissal, the congregation throws a party to celebrate the resurrection, complete with lots of food, libations, and dancing.

Fr. Showers