Ecumenical service of tenebrae in Greenville

GREENVILLE — An ecumenical service of tenebrae will be held Monday evening at 7 p.m. on April 14 at Holy Family Catholic Church on Pritham Avenue in Greenville. The People’s United Methodist Church, Union Evangelical United Church of Christ, The Church of the Open Bible and Shirley Community Church are all  joining with Holy Family in this celebration to start Holy Week in preparation for Easter.

An ecumenical church choir and all individual church choirs from the area churches will sing and the Rev. Fr. Selvaraj Kasi as presider, will be joined with the Rev. Ron Reamer, Rev. David Bures and Pastor Carol Stevens in proclaiming the gospel readings leading to the crucifixion of Christ.

Tenebrae originated as an early Christian ritual. The name Tenebrae is derived from the Latin meaning “darkness”. The Tenebrae service includes candles, scripture reading and chants to help us reflect on the lord’s passion. 

During the service, a candle is extinguished after each reading. The growing darkness helps us reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus.

The entire community is welcome and invited to attend. For additional information, please call Debi Lynne Baker at 207-695-2460.