The Great Easter Vigil

The Great Easter Vigil, one of the most ancient, sacred services in Christianity, will begin at 6 am Easter Morning, just prior to dawn. Members of Pohick’s Brotherhood will continue their tradition of transferring fire from the National Cathedral’s Vigil to the site of the original Pohick Church on Colchester Road. They walk the flame to our current church, arriving by 6 am. The worship party will wait outside for the arrival of the flame, which is then transferred to our Paschal Candle. It is called “First Light.” Then the Paschal Candle is solemnly processed into the church, while we chant: “The Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!” The celebrant and a cantor will chant the ancient Exultet. The ushers help light participants’ small hand-held tapers in the pews. The Eucharistic candles are lit as the readings and singing continue. At dawn, the celebrant pronounces “Allleluia, Christ is Risen!” The tapers are extinguished, and the service continues with the sermon, prayers, Offertory, and Eucharist.