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Service of Tenebrae
April 5, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
In person and live-streamed.
The name Tenebrae, the Latin word for darkness or shadows, has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services of the last three days of Holy Week which, in medieval times, came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings.
The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, representing the apparent victory of the forces of evil.
At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the resurrection, the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.
Plainsong psalms and settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah are sung by the Section Leaders of the Cathedral Choir.
In the Nave.