Today’s service of darkness, also known as “Tenebrae” (a Latin word meaning
darkness or shadows,) is a Holy Week devotion dating back to the seventh or eighth century A.D. It is
characterized by the successive extinguishing of candles as the service progresses. Today’s service is
divided into five parts. The readings for today’s service come from the four Gospels “harmonized”
into a chronology of the last hours of Jesus’ earthly life, interspersed with hymn verses.
After the final reading, the Christ candle will be removed, symbolizing our Lord’s death and burial.
The “strepitus” is heard, a harsh noise indicating the closing of the tomb. The Christ candle is returned
to its place in anticipation of our Lord’s resurrection. The offering will be gathered at the door. At the
completion of the service, please leave silently, maintaining the spirit of worship befitting this solemn
occasio
