kyrie eleison
Greek liturgical petition
Kyrie eleison is a Greek phrase meaning "Lord, have mercy," used as a prayer or response in Christian liturgies, particularly in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions.
It typically appears near the beginning of a mass or divine service, often repeated three times or alternating with "Christe eleison" (Christ, have mercy).
The phrase has also inspired numerous musical compositions, from Gregorian chant to contemporary settings.
The choir sang the kyrie eleison in four-part harmony.
- GloriaHymn praising God
- GreekOf Athenian origin
- AntiphonAttic orator, speechwriter
- Gregorian chantMonophonic Catholic liturgical music
- LatinAncient Roman language
Byzantine · Eastern Orthodox · Grace · Canticle · musical setting · prayer beads · Iconography · Etymology · Septuagint · Renaissance art
kyrie eleisonhallelujah
Joyful exclamation of gratitude
hosanna · alleluia · doxology · Magnificat · praise the Lord
kyrie eleisonjubilation
Intense, expressive happiness
exultation · rejoicing · celebration · confidence · self-righteousness
kyrie eleisonanathema
Intensely detested thing
divine judgment · condemnation · damnation · excommunication · wrath of God