Service of Light

E54441

The Service of Light is the opening part of the Easter Vigil liturgy, centered on the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal candle to symbolize Christ’s resurrection dispelling darkness.

Aliases (2)

Statements (47)
Predicate Object
instanceOf liturgical rite
part of the Easter Vigil
associatedSymbolism baptismal light
presence of the risen Christ in the assembly
renewal of creation
associatedWithText Exsultet
celebratedBy Anglican Communion
Lutheran churches
Roman Catholic Church
some Methodist churches
some other Western Christian denominations
centralSymbol Paschal candle
new fire
congregationalAction holding lighted candles
responding to "Lumen Christi"
follows nightfall on Holy Saturday
historicalRoot early Christian vigil practices
includesRite acclamation "Lumen Christi"
blessing of the new fire
gradual lighting of individual candles of the faithful
lighting of the Paschal candle
preparation of the Paschal candle
procession with the Paschal candle
response "Deo gratias"
languageOfCelebration varies by local vernacular
liturgicalBook Roman Missal
other Western Christian service books
liturgicalColor white
liturgicalSeason Easter
music may include simple chants during the candle procession
occursOn Easter Vigil
Holy Saturday night
precedes Liturgy of the Word of the Easter Vigil
purpose to contrast light and darkness
to introduce the Easter Vigil
to proclaim the resurrection of Christ
relatedConcept Paschal mystery
religiousTradition Christianity
sequencePosition opening part of the Easter Vigil
setting usually begins outside the church or at the church entrance
symbolizes Christ as light of the world
Christ’s resurrection
light dispelling darkness
victory of life over death
timeOfDay night
typicalLanguage Latin
usedIn Easter Vigil

Referenced by (3)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Easter Vigil
hasComponent
Ziya Gökalp ("Altın Işık")
notableWork
Exsultet ("Liturgy of Light")
performedDuring

Please wait…