The Church Year

What Is the Easter Vigil?

The Easter Vigil, also called the Great Vigil of Easter or the Paschal Vigil, is the ancient night service held on Holy Saturday that carries the church from the darkness of the tomb into the light of the resurrection. It begins with a new fire and the Paschal candle, moves through readings that retell salvation history, and bursts into joy at the proclamation that Christ is risen. It is kept by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.

What the Easter Vigil is

The Vigil is the oldest and, many would say, the richest service of the whole Christian year. Held after dark on Holy Saturday, it begins in a church stripped and unlit. A new fire is kindled, the tall Paschal candle is lit from it and carried in, and its flame spreads from candle to candle until the darkness is full of light. A sweep of readings retells God’s saving work from creation to the empty tomb. Then, at the proclamation of the resurrection, the lights come up, bells ring, and the church breaks into joy. In many churches new believers are baptized on this night. The Orthodox keep a parallel Paschal Vigil that culminates in the midnight cry, ‘Christ is risen!’

From darkness to light

The Vigil preaches the gospel in light and darkness, water and fire, silence and song. For many people it is the most beautiful and moving service they will ever attend.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Easter Vigil?

On the night of Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter Sunday. Many vigils begin after nightfall and continue late, carrying the church from darkness into the joy of the resurrection.

What happens at the Easter Vigil?

The service typically has four movements: the lighting of a new fire and the Paschal candle, a series of Scripture readings retelling salvation history, baptisms and the renewal of baptismal vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter with the proclamation that Christ is risen.

Which churches hold an Easter Vigil?

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