Tenebrae means ‘shadows’. The candlelight service of Tenebrae traces the sombre journey to the cross through readings and music; on the altar stands a series of candles which are extinguished during the course of the service to symbolise the gathering darkness as the events unfold that lead Jesus to his death by human hands. Music will include new settings of Tenebrae Texts by Samuel Bristow.
At the point of his death, the last candle is extinguished and the congregation sit for a little while in darkness. Then a loud noise is heard, symbolising the opening of the tomb, and a single candle relit to stand for the coming resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.