Trisagion

The Trisagion (Greek: Τρισάγιον, lit. 'Thrice Holy'), sometimes called by its incipit Agios O Theos (Greek: Άγιος ο Θεός) is a standard hymn of ancient origin of the Divine Liturgy in most of the Eastern Orthodox, Western Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches.

In Byzantine-rite Churches, the Trisagion is chanted immediately before the Prokeimenon and the Epistle Reading. It is also included in a set of prayers named for it, called the Trisagion Prayers, which forms part of numerous services (the Hours, Vespers, Matins, and as part of the opening prayers for most services).

In the Latin Church, it is most prominent for its use on Good Friday. It is also used in the Liturgy of the Hours and in some Roman Catholic devotions.

Form of the prayer

In Greek:

In Latin:

In English – literal translation:

In English – common liturgical translation:

In Syriac:

History

Traditional origins

The hymn is common not only to all the Greek and Oriental liturgies but was used also in the Gallican Liturgy. Some believe it is extremely ancient, perhaps of Apostolic-era origin. However this contradicts the tradition in the Greek Menology tradition regarding its origin. The tradition recounts that during the reign of Roman Emperor Theodosius II (402–450), Constantinople was shaken by a violent earthquake, 24 September, and that whilst the people, the emperor and Archbishop Proclus of Constantinople (r. 434–446) were praying for heavenly assistance, a child was suddenly lifted into midair, to whom all cried out Kyrie eleison ('Lord, have mercy'). The child was then seen to descend again to the earth, and in a loud voice he exhorted the people to pray : 'Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal'.