Tenebrae
This year, we are adding the service of Tenebrae to Holy Week on Good Friday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services of the last three days of Holy Week.
During the Tenebrae service we will meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross in poem, anthem, song, and story. The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the resurrection the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.
We hope you attend this profoundly moving service.
English