The Service of Tenebrae

Noon and 7:30PM in the Sanctuary

The word `Tenebrae’ means darkness. The service has been adapted over the centuries from an early monastic practice of extinguishing candles while reading from scripture. In contemporary practice various number of candles are used. We will be using eight. Seven of the candles are purple, the color of Lent, the eight candle is the large white Christ candle.

The Passion According to John, the ancient gospel narrative for this day provides the readings.
In John’s Gospel, especially, Jesus’ death is seen as his glorification. Rather than “mourning” the dying or dead Jesus on Good Friday, the cross is acclaimed as the sign of the world’s redemption. The procession of the cross and the adoration of Christ become the primary symbolic action of this day. We offer reverence to the one who lifted up from the earth, draws all people to himself. This service does not end in darkness and sadness, as if the assembly were re-enacting the death of Christ. Rather, the liturgy ends with Christ exalted on the cross, an image from John’s Gospel.