Tenebrae

A service of darkness….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. 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.
Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, typifying 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
(Matthew 28:2), the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its
light all depart in silence. Tenebrae, provides an extended meditation upon, and a prelude to, the events in our Lord’s life between the Last Supper and the Resurrection.