Benefice Easter Vigil
- Occuring
- for 1 hour
- Venue
- Church of St Peter & St Paul, Ringwood
- Address Market Place Ringwood, BH24 1AW, United Kingdom
An Easter Vigil is a Christian religious service that takes place on the evening of Holy Saturday, the night before Easter Sunday. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of light over darkness, of life over death.
The service typically begins outside the church with a "Service of Light," in which a new fire is kindled, and the Paschal Candle is lit. The flame is then used to light candles held by the congregation as they process into the church, symbolizing the spreading of the light of Christ.
The Easter Vigil service includes several key elements, including the reading of Old Testament passages that foreshadow the coming of Christ, baptisms and confirmations of new converts, and the renewal of baptismal vows by the entire congregation. The service culminates with the joyful proclamation of the resurrection of Christ and the singing of the Gloria, which is withheld during the Lenten season.
The Easter Vigil is considered one of the most important services of the Christian calendar, and it is often the first service to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is a time of hope, renewal, and joy, as Christians celebrate the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal salvation.