“In the darkness, fire is kindled.” These are the first words of the Great Vigil of Easter, our prayer book’s most ancient and beautiful service. Without a doubt, the Great Vigil of Easter is the most important thing we do all year. If you never come to St. Anne’s for anything else, at least come for this extraordinary service.
Steeped in traditions that reach back to the earliest days of Christianity, the Great Vigil of Easter moves us from the darkness of the tomb to the light of the Resurrection through fire, water, story, sacrament, and song.
Like the earliest Christians, we gather before sunrise to light the new Easter fire and to retell the great Old Testament stories of God’s saving deeds. From there the entire congregation processes outdoors as we baptize new members under the pink sky of the rising Easter sun. Finally, we declare “Alleluia, Christ is risen!”, reenter the sanctuary, hear the Gospel account of Jesus’ resurrection, and share in the first Communion of Easter.
With pageantry, music, candlelight, water, fire, wonder, laughter, mystery, and joy, this is the one service you do not want to miss. Free professionally staffed nursery is available.