What is an Easter Vigil?

Answer

An Easter Vigil, also known as the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter, is a liturgical tradition primarily observed in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches. The Easter Vigil marks the conclusion of a 40-day period of Lent, a solemn observance during which participants abstain from certain habits or items as an act of self-denial.

The Easter Vigil occurs after sunset on the evening before Easter (Holy Saturday) or immediately following the Good Friday service (in Oriental Orthodoxy). Widely regarded as the most significant service of the year, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, this service commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a time for the initiation of new members through baptism or for existing members to reaffirm their baptismal commitments.

Except for Oriental Orthodoxy, which follows a distinct structure, most liturgical churches divide the Easter Vigil into four segments: the Service of Light initiates the proceedings, followed by the reading of the Scriptures (referred to as the Liturgy of the Word, Service of Lessons, or Service of the Word), then the baptismal ritual, and finally the Eucharist (Mass in Catholicism or communion in other denominations). Candles play a significant role in the Service of Light, with a fire often being blessed and the Paschal or Easter candle being lit. Readings from the Scriptures span from Genesis to the Gospels, illustrating God’s work from Creation to Christ’s resurrection. The baptismal component either admits adults into the church or serves as a reaffirmation of previous baptisms, culminating in the congregation partaking in the Eucharist.

While the observance of an Easter Vigil is not contrary to biblical teachings, there are a few considerations for Christians to bear in mind. Primarily, an Easter Vigil typically adheres to a strict liturgical schedule.Rituals, full of ritual and recitations, can lead to a static service that may or may not allow for the work of the Holy Spirit. Baptism does not grant salvation to participants. It serves as an outward sign to all that a person has accepted Christ and as a representation of Christ’s death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19;Romans 6:4;Colossians 2:12). The ritualistic blessing of fire, water, and candles is not supported by the Bible, and the Mass in Catholicism involves idolatrously re-sacrificing the body of Christ.