Occurring
for 2 hours, 30 mins
The service of Tenebrae – meaning “darkness” or “shadows” - has been practised by the church since medieval times as an important part of holy week.
In this service, we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and
suffering on the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features
of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle,
considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
As it gets darker and darker, we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening.
Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death (Matthew 27)
and his resurrection (Matthew 28:2).
At the moment of the earthquake, the temple veil was torn apart, making the Holy of Holies exposed to public view.
This is understood to represent God’s change toward us with direct access to
him, no longer requiring the ceremonial acts of the priests for our forgiveness
of sin.
The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph
of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.
Service includes a meal (cost £5 per person).
Tickets are required.
For more information, please contact David Bennie on 07572508694
or [email protected]
In this service, we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and
suffering on the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features
of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle,
considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
As it gets darker and darker, we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening.
Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death (Matthew 27)
and his resurrection (Matthew 28:2).
At the moment of the earthquake, the temple veil was torn apart, making the Holy of Holies exposed to public view.
This is understood to represent God’s change toward us with direct access to
him, no longer requiring the ceremonial acts of the priests for our forgiveness
of sin.
The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph
of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.
Service includes a meal (cost £5 per person).
Tickets are required.
For more information, please contact David Bennie on 07572508694
or [email protected]
TENEBRAE SERVICE 28th March 6.30pm St Mary’s Church
28 Mar 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 2 hours, 30 mins
TENEBRAE SERVICE 28th March 6.30pm St Mary’s Church
28 Mar 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 2 hours, 30 mins