Tenebrae Service

The service of Tenebrae, or “shadows”, grew out of a combination of night prayer and early morning prayer, with and additional focus on the commemoration of the Passion of our Lord. The Latter was usually ready by several deacons and later, in the Middle Ages, was read by monastic choirs. This service is a tradition, used in the last days of Holy Week, to impress upon the hearts of believers the awful consequences of sin and the magnitude of the Savior’s sacrifice.

The most significant feature of this service is the gradual extinguishing of the lights and the candles in the room and on the altar. The candles represent the disciples and other followers of Christ as they all gradually took to flight. The ensuing darkness symbolizes the growing resentment and hatred of the world against the Savior. Note, however, that the Holy Spirit as symbolized byt the Eternal Light, remains undiminished.

Following the opening, the service is divided into three sections, called “Nocturns”. Each Lesson begins with the reading of a portion of the Passion History, and is concluded with the singing of a hymn in response. An atmosphere of quiet and somber reflection permeates the readings and prayers.

The large candle on the altar represents the Savior himself. It is removed from the altar to symbolize the death of Jesus. The candle is removed from sight (“A little while and you will not see me”). After the Psalm 51, a time of silence is observed in total darkness. The silence is broken with the “strepitis”, a loud noise symbolizing the closing of the tomb.

Upon completion of the service, the congregation leaves silently, maintaining the spirit of worship befitting this solemn evening.