The section contains the great vigil of Easter (Pascha), which is the primordial service of the Christian faith. For in this service the church recalls the great acts of salvation that culminate in the resurrection of Christ. It marks the sign of a new beginning for human history. The following entries should be studied with care so that the reader will begin to see how the themes and images of this service are the foundation for the entire Christian year.
The Paschal Vigil is the foundational service of all Christian worship. In this service the great theme of Christian salvation is enacted in recollection of the days of salvation.
These are suggested readings for Years A, B, C from the Revised Common Lectionary.
The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for the Easter Vigil. It will be of particular help for those who plan a more formal Easer Vigil service. For others, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning for the Advent season.
The service below is meant for use by those congregations who desire to combine historical traditions of worship with a contemporary style. It can be amended to suit the particular needs or traditions of the congregation.
The Easter Vigil readings span the history of salvation and recall for the worshiper the great acts of God's mercy. Sometimes the readings are not heard. The article below suggests how the readings may take on new life through dramatic forms of communication.