Why Do We Have an Easter Vigil?

Why do Christians gather in the dark on the night before Easter? In this Easter Vigil sermon from Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Malcolm Clemens Young explores the meaning of one of the Church's most powerful and ancient services. Moving from the fourth century conversion of Augustine, to the critique of Christendom by Søren Kierkegaard, to the modern revival of the Vigil at Grace Cathedral, this sermon shows how baptism draws us into God's story. Through fire, water, scripture, and song, the Easter Vigil proclaims that Christ's resurrection is not just something we remember—it is something we enter. This is the night of mystery. This is the night of new life. This is the night we step into the story. "Alleluia. Christ is risen!" Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Easter Vigil (Year A) – April 4, 2026 The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2G9 Easter Vigil (Year A) 9:00 p.m. Saturday 4 April 2026 Gen. 1:1-2:4a / Gen. 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13 Exodus 14:10-31 /Ex. 15:20-21 Ezekiel 36:24-28 / Ez. 37:1-14 / Rom. 6:3-11 John 20:1-18