Tenebrae

Church/Sanctuary, Narthex – Church

Experience the solemn and profound Tenebrae service, where the essence of the last three nights of Holy Week is encapsulated in a single evening.

The ceremony unfolds with the use of fifteen candles arranged on a unique triangular stand, each extinguished as one of the appointed fourteen psalms is concluded. The final candle, symbolizing Christ, remains lit after the last psalm but is carried away, marking the apparent triumph of dark forces. A sudden loud noise is made at the end of the service, symbolizing the earthquake at Christ’s death. The lighted candle is then restored to its place, suggesting Christ’s eventual triumph. Worshippers depart by its light in silence, recalling His suffering on the cross for our sins.