the paschal candle is lit in church during easter during baptisms.
the paschal candle is lit in church during easter during baptisms.
when is the paschal candle lit in church during easter?
during baptisms
at the opening of the easter vigil a "new fire" is lit and blessed. the minister will trace the symbols (mentioned above) on the paschal candle, saying words similar to: "christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega. to him belongs all time and all the ages; all glory and dominion is his now and forever. amen." he then inserts five grains of incense (reminiscent of the nails used to fasten christ on the cross) on the five points of the cross , saying: "by his holy and glorious wounds may christ our lord guard and keep us."
paschal candle
paschal candle









































a paschal candle is a large, white candle used in liturgies in western christianity (viz., the roman catholic church, the anglican communion, lutheran, and methodist churches, among others). a new paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at easter, and is used throughout the paschal season which is during easter and then throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals. 









































the equivalent of the paschal candle in the western orthodox church is the paschal trikirion which differs both in style and usage.









































section::::etymology.
paschal candle