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.
The service will be livestreamed here.
This is the morning when we find the tomb empty and proclaim the resurrection with joyful songs and a refrain of “Alleluia!” The service begins with children flowering the cross before it is brought to the chancel in recognition of the new life this day symbolizes. The choir and guest musicians will lead us in triumphant songs as we proclaim, “Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!” The 10:15 service uses the music of Joseph Haydn’s “Little Organ Mass” as the setting.
An Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages will follow each service, and nursery for young children is available during each service.
The 10:15 a.m. service will be livestreamed here.
Christians for nearly two millennia have observed the week leading up to Easter as the most sacred time of the year. The liturgy of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday helps us reflect on the last days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his arrest and execution. During The Great Vigil of Easter, we meditate on the entire arc of God’s redemption of his people. On Easter morning, we awake to the hope of the resurrection — the central tenant of the Christian faith. Walking through the entire week gives each aspect of the story a richer meaning.
Yes! Children of all ages are always welcome at every service at Saint James’ — we even have coloring materials available.
Nursery is available during the 10:15 a.m. service on Palm Sunday, April 13, and during both services on Easter Day, April 20.
Yes. Any baptized Christian, regardless of tradition, is welcome to receive the bread and/or the wine during any Eucharistic service at Saint James'.
Yes, the choir and organ will feature at every service during Holy Week besides the Good Friday noon service. There will also be guest musicians at some services. The Good Friday evening service features music from Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor.”
Street parking is available in front of the church on Culpeper Street. There is also a church parking lot on Beckham Street and a public parking lot on Franklin Street.
Parking may be limited on Easter Sunday; if you can't find a spot next to the church, there is street parking on Green Street, a public parking lot at East Lee and Fifth streets and another public lot next to the Warrenton Branch Greenway at East Franklin and Fifth streets.
73 Culpeper St, Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 347-4342
