Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tenebrae comes from the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows," reflecting the somber nature of the service. It commemorates the Passion of Christ and is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of candles, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples and the darkness that fell over the earth during His crucifixion. The service is composed of readings from ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) and Lamentations introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in a church lighted by a large arrangement of lighted candles gradually extinguished until only a single candle (symbol of Jesus Christ) remains. Finally a loud noise representing the earthquake at the time of resur-rection and the single candle, hidden, is restored to its place. All depart in silence by its light.