This evening, we observe a service that dates back to the 4th Century. We meditate on the fact that it was on the evening before Good Friday that Jesus and the disciples were together for the last time, standing in the shadow of the cross. The word ‘Tenebrae’, is Latin and literally means darkness.
Our service consists of a series of Bible readings that chronicle Jesus last week. At the end of each reading a candle is snuffed out, and is symbolic of the gathering darkness that came over Jesus. At the end of the service, the Paschal candle is carried out of the church. We leave the church in silence at the end of this service.