What is the Kyrie Eleison? - Parts of the Latin Mass Chapter 4

Table of Contents

Historical Context

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"If you wish to hear mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart, and mouth all that happens on the altar." - Pope Pius X

Although the official language of the Roman Church is Latin, the Kyrie Eleison is said in Greek. Saint Matthew tells us of the two blind beggars who cried to Jesus: "O Lord, Thou son of David, have mercy on us." Kyrie Eleison translates as "Lord have mercy."

The Kyrie was first mentioned as being part of the Roman Mass in 529 when the council of Vaison met at Arles, France. Bishop Caesarius noticed that churches in the East said the Kyrie at mass and thought it would be a good idea to introduce it in the Western churches as well.

In early times the Kyrie was probably an entire litany. This was gradually shortened until, today, only the Kyrie remains in the daily mass. On special occasions, however, such as Easter Saturday, the full litany is said.

Each phrase is repeated three times to show that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are and live eternally in one another.

The Kyrie is a prayer of humility and confidence. It expresses our longing for a closer union with God through instruction and grace.

The Kyrie

S. Kýrie, eléison.
M. Kýrie, eléison.
S. Kýrie, eléison.
M. Christe, eléison.
S. Christe, eléison.
M. Christe, eléison.
S. Kýrie, eléison.
M. Kýrie, eléison.
S. Kýrie, eléison.

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