Wednesday of Holy Week
The Office of Tenebræ

Join us on Wednesday of Holy Week as we observe the Office of Tenebræ. The name Tenebræ (the Latin word for darkness or shadows) has traditionally been given to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings. Apart from the chanting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, in which each verse is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church to signify the darkness that overshadowed the earth at Christ’s crucifixion. The loud noise, or strepitus, at the conclusion of the service suggests the earthquake described in the Passion narratives. The single candle left burning is the symbol and promise of Christ’s triumph over death and darkness.

A 10-voice choir from the Cathedral Cantorei will sing plainchant and Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis's setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah. We regret that this service will not be livestreamed. Registration is required to attend in person.