Tenebrae

TENEBRAE is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” This service introduces the events of Holy Week and provides an opportunity to meditate on those events through the words of the Psalms. “The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual distinguishing of candles 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 (Matthew 28:2), the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light, all depart in silence” (The Book of Occasional Services, page 74).