Easter vigil is the first official celebration of
the resurrection of Jesus. It usually takes place on a convenient time
between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning.
Traditionally, the Easter vigil service begins with the Prayers of the
Midnight, after which all the lights of the church are extinguished
except the candles at the Altar and the ones held by those serving at
the Altar. The veil concealing the sanctuary from the congregation is
removed. The chief celebrant stands in the center of the sanctuary,
holding a cross wrapped in red embroidered cloth.
This is the same cross which was buried in a small coffin box behind the
Altar, during Good Friday service, to commemorate the Burial. Then, the
chief celebrant makes the Announcement to the congregation, regarding
the resurrection of Jesus. This is followed by Easter Procession,
wherein the entire congregation along with the celebrants and the Altar
servers, participate holding candles. The cross wrapped in red cloth is
carried in the procession around the church. Subsequently, the chief
celebrant blesses the four directions with the Cross.
After this, the Kiss of Peace is given by the chief celebrant, which is
passed onto the congregation, twice. This is followed by Prayers of
Morning hours and the Holy Qurbana is conducted as usual. As Easter
marks the end of Lent season, special prayers are also said. At the end
of the service, the congregation touches the Holy Cross with their
foreheads to seek the blessings of the Lord. From Easter to the Feast of
Ascension, the Easter Cross is placed on a stand inside the sanctuary,
the cloth covering which is kissed by the faithful when entering or
leaving the church.
