Language and Chant
What does “Kyrie eleison” mean?
What The Prayers Teach About Kyrie Eleison
Kyrie eleison means "Lord, have mercy." It is Greek, and you will hear it often because mercy is one of the Church's simplest and deepest prayers.
God, be merciful to me a sinner.
Why It Is Repeated
The response is short enough for everyone to pray and deep enough to carry many needs: forgiveness, healing, protection, peace, repentance, and help. When the deacons and people repeat "Lord, have mercy," they are answering the litanies with one shared cry to Christ.
How To Pray It
You can say it in English, Greek, Coptic, or silently in your heart. The point is mercy, not pronunciation. If you learn only one response during your first few visits, this is a good one to learn.
- Greek Language in the Coptic Liturgy, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer explaining why Greek words and hymns remain in Coptic liturgical worship.
- The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, CopticChurch.net. Service text and introduction for the most commonly used Coptic Divine Liturgy.
- Coptic Liturgies, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Overview of the Divine Liturgy, the three Coptic liturgies, and the principal parts of the Eucharistic service.
- Languages Other Than Coptic in Liturgy, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States Q&A. Pastoral answer explaining that God hears prayer in every language while encouraging Coptic as inherited liturgical language.
Kyrie Eleison: Greek for Lord have mercy, one of the most repeated prayers in Orthodox worship because mercy means God's healing and saving compassion.