Kyrie eleison is a Greek Christian prayer meaning “O Lord, have mercy.” In many American churches, it is spoken or sung near the beginning of worship as a petition for mercy, forgiveness, and help hearing God’s word. It is commonly shared by the congregation.
What Does “Kyrie Eleison” Mean?
The wording is ancient Greek: kyrie is the vocative form of kyrios, meaning “lord,” and eleison means “have mercy.” Together they form a direct petition, “O Lord, have mercy.” Congregations often pronounce it “kee-ree-eh eh-LYE-son,” though English pronunciation varies.
Where Does It Appear in Worship?
In the Roman Catholic Mass, “Kyrie, eleison” forms the first musical section of the Mass Ordinary, a fixed set of liturgical songs. Eastern Orthodox use the Greek petition in the Divine Liturgy and other offices, where it is commonly translated “O Lord, have mercy.” Anglican and Episcopal services and many Lutheran services also include it in set prayers, confession, or the invocation.
Other Protestant churches may use the English “Lord, have mercy” as a call and response without using the Greek. A congregation’s worship book sets the wording, placement, and reply.
How Is It Said?
In the Roman Catholic Mass, the pattern is “Lord, have mercy” followed by “Christ, have mercy.” Orthodox worship commonly repeats the Greek petition, while some Anglican and Lutheran orders use English wording. A priest, minister, cantor, or other leader may begin, and the congregation may answer. The phrase may be spoken, chanted, or sung, and it is often repeated three times.
Is Kyrie Eleison a Song?
It is fundamentally a short prayer, but it can be a chant or a worship song when a melody is used. The familiar Roman Catholic Kyrie is ordinarily heard three times. Contemporary worship services may also sing “Lord, have mercy” to a repeated melody. The musical setting changes the sound and length, not the petition’s basic meaning.
What Should a First-Time Visitor Know?
No Greek is required, and saying the response is not a sacramental act. Follow the cues in the order of service: the leader says or sings one part, and the congregation gives the response. Visitors can stand, sit, or kneel when others do, and an usher can explain what happens next. The first-time visitor guide offers broader help for anyone attending an unfamiliar service. Listen for the first repetition and join with the congregation.