Good Friday devotion – a service of Tenebrae

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Chester Cathedral
St Werburgh Street Chester, CH1 2DY, United Kingdom

The Cathedral Choir sings their annual devotion for Good Friday, where we hear the Passion story told in words and music.

Tenebrae, meaning ‘The Darkness’, originated in the Middle Ages. Originally recited at night in a candle-lit sanctuary, the service accompanied the last days of Holy Week. It is characterised by a passage of light to darkness through the extinguishing of candlelight – traditionally, of fifteen candles - and by chanting of texts from the book of Lamentations. Through its Scripture and song, Tenebrae offers a prolonged meditation and commemoration of Christ’s suffering: a darker prelude to the light of Easter. The final candle is left burning alone in the darkness – symbolic of the anticipation of the resurrection of Christ.

Our service is based around readings from Lamentations and the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. The Cathedral Choir sing The Four Lenten Motets by Francis Poulenc, as well as music by John Sanders, William Walton, and Pierre Villette.

Entrance for this service is through the Southwest Porch.

More info Join online

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history.

We’re free to enter and welcome thousands of visitors from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming you to Chester Cathedral.

Chester Cathedral is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer.  The Chester Cathedral website safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for our Safeguarding Officer and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact our Safeguarding Officer or the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

The Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford

Dean of Chester

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St Werburgh Street
Chester

CH1 2DY

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Good Friday devotion – a service of Tenebrae

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Chester Cathedral
St Werburgh Street Chester, CH1 2DY, United Kingdom

The Cathedral Choir sings their annual devotion for Good Friday, where we hear the Passion story told in words and music.

Tenebrae, meaning ‘The Darkness’, originated in the Middle Ages. Originally recited at night in a candle-lit sanctuary, the service accompanied the last days of Holy Week. It is characterised by a passage of light to darkness through the extinguishing of candlelight – traditionally, of fifteen candles - and by chanting of texts from the book of Lamentations. Through its Scripture and song, Tenebrae offers a prolonged meditation and commemoration of Christ’s suffering: a darker prelude to the light of Easter. The final candle is left burning alone in the darkness – symbolic of the anticipation of the resurrection of Christ.

Our service is based around readings from Lamentations and the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. The Cathedral Choir sing The Four Lenten Motets by Francis Poulenc, as well as music by John Sanders, William Walton, and Pierre Villette.

Entrance for this service is through the Southwest Porch.

More info Join online

Safeguarding

Chester Cathedral is committed to being a safe and caring place for all. This means that we must promote a safe environment and culture, safely recruit and support all staff and volunteers, respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation and to those that may pose a present risk to others, care pastorally for survivors of abuse and other affected persons and for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations. We will do this in line with best practice by following the practice guidance of the Church of England.

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Chester Cathedral Charity No. 1203715