Easter Vigil

Although the Easter Vigil is not universal in the Anglican Communion, its use has become far more common in recent decades. Formerly it was only common in parishes in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.

Indian Orthodoxy Easter Announcement

In the Indian Orthodox Church the Vigil begins in the evening after the service on Good Friday. The faithful spend time in the church reading from the scriptures and singing hymns.

Orthodox Icon of the Resurrection (14th cent. fresco, Chora Church, Istanbul).

In the Eastern Orthodox Church the service runs as follows with some minor local variations:

Roman Catholic deacon chanting the Exsultet beside the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil.

In the Roman Catholic tradition the service normally consists of four parts:

Candle and Easter egg.