This Service of Darkness commemorates the suffering and death of Christ, and is based on the ancient Tenebrae. Dating from the 8th century, Tenebrae was originally celebrated on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Holy Week. It represented the darkness that fell over the earth as the Son of God was crucified.

Candles symbolize Christ, who is our Light and the Light of the World. They are used in impressive ceremonies at Christmas time to symbolize the coming of the Light. The use of candlelight in a darkened church on Good Friday can dramatically portray the fading light of the world as Christ was leaving it.

These seven anthems are designed for a Service of Darkness or any Good Friday service where spoken meditations, based on the Seven Words from the Cross, are given. With each meditation, the candles (seven, or multiple thereof) are progressively extinguished. However, one additional candle should remain. The glow from this last vigil candle indicates that death only seems to triumph over Christ, and points toward the coming Resurrection.