This is the culmination of the Christian story: that in the depths of darkness, “Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.” The Great Vigil of Easter is the most profound service of the year, and harkens to the early Christian tradition in which baptismal candidates kept an all-night vigil until their baptism on Easter morning, thereby reflecting the truth that “we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life.”
The service begins in the courtyard around a small fire representing the hope of new light. As the service continues in the church by candlelight, we hear the story of creation, of the Israelites’ deliverance from the Egyptians and of Ezekiel’s vision of a multitude of dry bones receiving life. We renew our own baptismal vows in solidarity with those early Christians.
Then, the lights come on and bells sound as we proclaim in that moment of light overcoming darkness, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!” We then celebrate the first Holy Eucharist of Easter, proclaiming to the world, “by his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.”
In recognition of the end of Lent, a reception in the Parish Hall with sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and other treats will follow the service.
About the music
The Easter Vigil is the most profound liturgy of the year. It unfolds in a tapestry of symbol and song as we journey from the darkness of the tomb into the radiant joy of the Easter proclamation. In the hush of night, we hear the ancient stories — creation spoken into being, the Israelites led through the waters to freedom, and Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones rising to life — woven with paraphrased psalms accompanied by the rich sound of a string quartet.
After these lessons, we renew our baptismal vows with the faithful of ages past. Then, in a moment of holy transformation, darkness gives way to light as the choir and altar party process to an organ meditation on “Victimae Paschali Laudes,” the ancient chant echoing across centuries. At its triumphant climax, we proclaim, “Jesus Christ is risen today. Alleluia!”
Joyful music from choir and strings, including Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” carries us into the first Holy Eucharist of Easter, as we celebrate the mystery of life restored and hope made new.
