Good Friday – Tenebrae

This is a Friday evening sung service that is structured around psalms, readings, and responsories. A distinguishing characteristic of this service is the series of readings from Lamentations and the use of fifteen lighted candles. One candle is extinguished as each of the fourteen appointed psalms is completed. The fifteenth candle, symbolic of Christ, is left lighted at the end of the final psalm. But it is carried away to be hidden, which signifies the apparent victory of the forces of evil. A sudden loud noise is made at the end of the service, symbolizing the earthquake at Christ’s death. The lighted candle is then restored to its place, suggesting Christ’s eventual triumph.