The Easter Vigil

Satday 30th March, 8:00pm

The service begins outside with the lighting of a fire, from which a large candle is lit, called the Paschal candle, and is processed into the Cathedral in darkness. Three times the priest sings ‘the light of Christ’ as processing through, and al other candles held by the congregation are lit. We then sit in darkness to hear readings of the story of creation and salvation, before reaching the Gloria, when all lights are switched on, and Christians sing the Gloria for the first time since before Lent (pancake day to most). This marks the start of Easter, when Christians can say/sing ‘alleluia’ for the first time since before Lent. This is the most holiest of nights for the Church, celebrating the resurrection of Christ from the dead.