The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week. 

Apart from the reading of the Lamentations (in which each verse is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, as the original text is an acrostic), the most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. This represents the inability of darkness to fully snuff out the Light of Christ, who was but hidden for a time. At the very end, in the midst of total silence and darkness, a loud and startling noise is made, representing the shutting of the tomb, and all depart in silence. Silence is, in fact, a recurring feature in this liturgy, and the absence of both sermon and collective singing is conspicuous. Other absences are significant as well, such as the omission of standard introductions and conclusions to readings and psalms. Also the Officiant says the closing Collect without any conclusion, implying that we remain in prayer, waiting for the “Amen” that God will provide in three days’ time.

Tenebrae uniquely blends drama and austerity. It is an opportunity to be still in the midst of history’s most turbulent moment, to discover peace even under the darkest of “shadows,” as the name indicates.