The Church Year

Easter Vigil Services

The Easter Vigil, also called the Great Vigil of Easter or the Paschal Vigil, is the church’s oldest and most dramatic service. Held on the night of Holy Saturday, it begins in darkness and moves into the light of the resurrection, with a new fire, the Paschal candle, readings that retell salvation history, and often baptisms. Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches keep it as the high point of the whole year.

What the Easter Vigil is

The Vigil is the ancient watch kept on the night between Good Friday’s grief and Easter’s joy. It usually begins after dark on Holy Saturday. A new fire is kindled, the great Paschal candle is lit and carried into a darkened church, and its flame is shared from candle to candle until the whole room glows. A series of readings retells the story of God’s saving work from creation onward, and then, at the proclamation of the resurrection, the lights blaze up, bells ring, and the church erupts in joy. In many churches this is the night new believers are baptized. The Orthodox keep a parallel Paschal Vigil that leads into the midnight cry, ‘Christ is risen!’

From death into life

The Vigil takes you through the whole Gospel in a single night: from darkness to light, from death to life, from the tomb to the risen Christ. For many people it is the most moving service they will ever attend.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Easter Vigil held?

On the night of Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter Sunday. Many vigils begin after nightfall and can run late, since they carry the church from darkness into the dawn of the resurrection.

Which churches hold an Easter Vigil?

Roman Catholic, Orthodox (as the Paschal Vigil), Anglican, Lutheran, and many other liturgical churches keep the Vigil. Use the church finder to locate one near you and check its start time.

Is the Easter Vigil the same as a sunrise service?

No. The Vigil is held at night on Holy Saturday and moves from darkness into light, while a sunrise service is held outdoors at dawn on Easter Sunday morning. Some churches offer both.