Vigil Relives Ancient Christian Service
Guest column
By Elizabeth I. Rechter

When Christianity was first taking root, new members could join the church after two years of instruction and an initiation rite of baptism, which was offered only once a year at the Easter Vigil. Since Christianity was illegal in its first centuries, the service was held in secret and under the cover of darkness to avoid arrest.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church will join other Episcopal churches across the U.S. in celebrating the Vigil, the most ancient of all Christian liturgies, on Easter morning, March 23, in a desire to return to the most original version of Easter celebration.

The Vigil will begin in darkness at 5:30 a.m., recalling the journey of Jesus' friends who went early to the tomb. It begins with the lighting of a "new fire" that proclaims the new light of Christ, who is known by his followers as having risen from the dead.

The congregation will then proceed into a dark church, guided by the pascal candle, which represents the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fireby night that led the Hebrews in the their exodus. The Exsultet is then sung in ancient plainsong. It is a hymn naming all those who rejoice this "night" in thanksgiving for the work God has done in redeeming God's people. It is by this light that the history of God's saving work is heard as recorded in the First Testament (or Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures), including stories of the creation, the exodus, and the prophets. Following the readings the people renew their baptismal vows.

At this point, the liturgy undergoes a dramatic shift. The 40-day season of Lent observed by the ritual of fasting and prayer has ended. The lights are turned on, illuminating an elaborately decorated sanctuary with spring blossoms, altar candles are lit, and the congregation proclaims with loud shouts the Easter acclamation, "Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed." The first Easter hymn is then sung and readings from the Christian scriptures are read, including the account of Jesus appearing to his followers in risen form.

In ancient times, those as yet un-baptized were required to leave prior to celebrations of the Eucharist. At the Vigil, on the day of their baptism, they were included for the first time in the prayers of the people, and for the first time their prayers were heard in community. Also for the first time, they were included in the celebration and in the sharing of the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist, which represents for Christians the body and blood of Christ that they receive into their own souls and bodies.

The Easter Vigil liturgy was included in the newest edition of "The Book of Common Prayer," which was approved by the Episcopal Church in 1979.

All are invited to attend the Easter Vigil at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, which is located at 428 Park Avenue.

Reverend Elizabeth I. Rechter is the rector at St. Mary's Episcopal Church