Easter Vigil begins the night before Easter. The Church stayed up all night. They would light a big fire outside the church.

The deacon would get a torch from the fire. He would lead the people into the Church. They would sing a special song . It was only sung on Easter Vigil. That night, they would listen to Bible stories, sing, and pray.

New people learned to say the Creed. They were tested about how to be a Christian. Then, early Easter morning, they would baptize the new people in water. They baptized them three times: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The new people had to take an oath against the Devil and for Jesus.

Then they put on white robes to show they were baptized. Next they went to the bishop. He would put oil on their heads and bless them. He said a special prayer for them. That meant they were now Christians. After that, the whole Church had the Lord's Supper: bread, wine, and milk and honey and eat some cheese. This was the first Lord's Supper for the baptized. It was also the first milk and cheese the Christians had had for 40 days - since the beginning of the Great Fast of Lent.

Reading Ease 93% Fleish-Kincaid Level=2.8

---

EXSULTET

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

My dearest friends,
standing with me in this holy light,
join me in asking God for mercy,
that he may give his unworthy minister
grace to sing his Easter praises.

Hear the Exsultet Sung

---

HOME

Copyright 2006 | The Order of the Centurions | OrderofCenturion.org |