The Office of Tenebrae

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St Dunstan-in-the-West
186A Fleet Street London, EC4A 2HR, United Kingdom

The principal Tenebrae ceremony is the gradual extinguishing of candles upon a stand in the sanctuary called a hearse containing fifteen candles, which are extinguished after each of the psalms of matins and lauds. The six altar candles are put out during the Benedictus, gradually reducing also the lighting in the church throughout the chanting of the canticle. Then any remaining lights in the church are extinguished and the last candle on the hearse is hidden behind the altar ending the service in total darkness. The strepitus ("great noise") symbolizes the earthquake that followed Christ's death, although it may have originated as a simple signal to depart. After the candle has been shown to the people, it is extinguished, and then put "on the credence table". All rise and then leave in silence.

St Dunstan-in-the-West

St Dunstan’s is open for private prayer and quiet reflection between 10.00am and 3.00pm Monday – Friday.

There is a regular celebration of Mass at 12.30pm every Tuesday to which all are cordially invited. The services will also be live streamed via our You Tube channel for those unable to be present at St Dunstan's. For details of how to tune in please contact [email protected] . This service is about half an hour in length and includes a short address. 

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

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Get in touch

Michele Rogers

St Dunstan-in-the-West
186A Fleet Street
London

EC4A 2HR
Administrator
020 7405 1929

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The Office of Tenebrae

for 1 hour, 15 mins
St Dunstan-in-the-West
186A Fleet Street London, EC4A 2HR, United Kingdom

The principal Tenebrae ceremony is the gradual extinguishing of candles upon a stand in the sanctuary called a hearse containing fifteen candles, which are extinguished after each of the psalms of matins and lauds. The six altar candles are put out during the Benedictus, gradually reducing also the lighting in the church throughout the chanting of the canticle. Then any remaining lights in the church are extinguished and the last candle on the hearse is hidden behind the altar ending the service in total darkness. The strepitus ("great noise") symbolizes the earthquake that followed Christ's death, although it may have originated as a simple signal to depart. After the candle has been shown to the people, it is extinguished, and then put "on the credence table". All rise and then leave in silence.