A Friday at Taizé . . .
Worship at Taizé is simple. When you enter, you pick up a songbook and a sheet with scripture readings. Once the brothers have entered and the bells have finished ringing, a digital signboard gives the number of the chant and singing begins. Prior to the singing, everyone is to be silent: silent upon entering, silent as you wait for the service to begin. In the first few days of the week there is not complete silence. A youth carries a large signboard saying “Silence” on one side and “Stille” on the other (remember, “Stille Nacht”?).
The service begins with several chants and an alleluia. The scripture is read in 2-3 languages followed by chanting. Key verses from the same scripture passage are read in several more languages. Another chant is sung. This first part takes 12-15 minutes. Then there is 8-10 minutes of silence. As the week progresses, silence is heeded. The silence ends when a chant number is posted on the digital signboard. Prayers are given with a sung response (Kyrie Eleiason). This is followed by a series of chants. The final part of the service is about 12-15 minutes long. The brothers recess while the congregation continues to sing. The entire service goes for 40-45 minutes. Some leave as soon as the brothers do while others stay to sing.
The singing is accompanied by a brother who plays a small keyboard instrument that makes the sound of a classic guitar. Another brother occasionally plays a pipe organ. The church is dimly lit. The chancel area is arrayed with open ended rectangular boxes each with electric and candle illumination. Red triangular drapes adorn the wall behind the lighted boxes. A cross is placed at the right front and an icon mounted on the wall to the left. Woven baskets are placed on their side with the closed end facing the congregation. Lights beam onto the back wall from these baskets.
On this Friday I awoke immediately when my alarm sounded at 6:20 a.m. I was surprised that I had fallen asleep before my roommates had turned in the night before. They must have entered the dorm room quietly and because I had already fallen asleep, their snoring did not keep me awake. I showered and shaved. Showers have a timed push button that lasts for about a minute. I was able to shower with two pushes of the button. It is always a good idea to conserve water.
I walked through the darkness of this morning to the church. Stars still illuminated the sky as did the sliver of the moon. It was cold, perhaps just above freezing. I sat in the warm, silent church reading the bible, journaling and praying as I prepared for the first number to appear on the digital signboard.