What is a Trisagion service?
Answer. The Trisagion Service is an extremely abbreviated memorial service which in essence contains the closing hymns sung at a longer version of the same service [variously known as a “Parastas,” “Panikhida,” “Pomen,” etc.] which, in turn, contains selected hymns and prayers that are also found in the Rite of Burial,...
What does Trisagion mean in Greek?
"Trisagion" means “Thrice-Holy,” and is so named because the prayer, “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us,” is repeated three times. The funeral service is held at a Greek Orthodox Church or funeral home.
What is the Trisagion in the Catholic Church?
In the Latin Church, the Trisagion is employed in the hour of Prime, in the ferial Preces, on ferias of Advent and Lent and on common Vigils. There is a Chaplet to the Holy Trinity used by the Order of the Most Holy Trinity called 'The Trisagion' or the 'Angelic Trisagion', which makes use of both forms of the Trisagion. [1]
What is the first Trisagion?
The first Trisagion can take place in the home of the deceased or at the funeral home. One of the lines recited is, "Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us." The Trisagion is a request for mercy for the deceased and for everyone who is still living. The services usually include a wake and funeral mass in a church.
What is the Trisagion in the Orthodox liturgy?
The Trisagion (Greek: Τρισάγιον; 'Thrice Holy'), sometimes called by its opening line Agios O Theos, is a standard hymn of the Divine Liturgy in most of the Eastern Orthodox, Western Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic churches.
What is a Greek Orthodox service called?
The Divine Liturgy. The Divine Liturgy is the Sunday sabbath worship service of the Eastern Orthodox Church. There are several forms of the liturgy: the Divine Liturgy of St.
What is the 40 day Greek memorial service?
The 40th Day after death is a traditional memorial service, family gathering, ceremony and ritual in memory of the departed on the 40th day after his or her death. The observation of the 40th day after death occurs in Islam and the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
What do you serve at a Greek funeral?
Kollyva, also spelled kolyva, koliva or colivă, is a sweet dish prepared with boiled wheat berries, nuts, raisins, pomegranate and spices, which is taken to church to commemorate our deceased during funerals or memorials.
What happens in an Orthodox service?
For Orthodox Christians , worship joins the human being to God in prayer and unites them to the Church, the body of Christ. The main service is called the Divine Liturgy, during which people receive the bread and wine. There are three main parts: the Proskomedia - meaning 'offering' when the bread and wine is prepared.
What is the Greek tradition when someone dies?
In Greek culture, it is believed that the soul does not leave the body until three days after a person dies. Because of this, the family will visit the grave three days after the death for a small ceremony where a priest blesses a plate of koliva, scatters it to the wind, and then breaks the plate on the tombstone.
What is the meal after a Greek funeral called?
What Is a Mercy Meal? In the Greek Orthodox and Catholic religions, a mercy meal is offered after the burial service. The mercy meal is an informal event that allows the family to gather and celebrate the deceased's life with one another. It's very similar to a funeral repast offered by other religions.
Why do they cover the legs in a casket?
They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.
Why is 40 days after death important?
In Russian funerals, this 40 number also relates to pagan traditions. The 40 days is an opportunity for judgment before God. It's believed in Eastern Orthodox religions that the soul completes many obstacles known as the aerial toll houses. The soul passes through the aerial realm, which is home to evil spirits.
How long is a Greek funeral service?
about 90 minutesA bit longer than the average funeral length, A Greek Orthodox funeral service is about 90 minutes long. The church ceremony is about one hour and the burial is about 30 minutes.
Why can't you cross your legs in a Greek church?
Don't Cross Your Legs In the eyes of the church, this represents a form of arrogance that stands in the way of our relationship to God. Since a lot of people aren't aware of this thinking, people tend to cross their legs without realizing that it is considered improper.
What color do you wear to a Greek funeral?
Although family members of the deceased dress in black, other mourners may wear neutral colors. Pallbearers carry the casket into the church and place it before the altar. In the Greek Orthodox faith, funerals are open-casket services, with a religious icon and cross positioned on or near the deceased's forehead.
What does the Greek phrase "Trisagion" mean?
Traditional origins. The Greek phrase Trisagion translates as "Thrice Holy" – as in this hymn God is described as holy in three different qualities; Agios o Theos means "Holy God". The hymn is of great antiquity, and perhaps much older than the event assigned by the Greek Menology as connected to its origin.
What is the Trisagion?
The Trisagion ( Greek: Τρισάγιον "Thrice Holy" ), sometimes called by its opening line Agios O Theos, is a standard hymn of the Divine Liturgy in most of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches .
What is the trisagion prayer?
During most services of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Trisagion is combined with several other prayers to form a unit, often called simply the Trisagion Prayers. This set of prayers forms part of the opening prayers of most services, and is also located within many of the Hours and daily cycle of services.
What is the Trisagion in the Armenian Rite?
In the Armenian Rite, used by the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Catholic Church, the Trisagion occurs early in the Divine Liturgy, coming after the troparion of the Monogenes (Only-begotten Son) and the Midday first Antiphon. The choir sings the Trisagion during the lesser entrance of the Gospel Books.
How many times is the Trisagion sung?
When the Trisagion is sung during the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Rite, before the Prokeimenon of the Gospel that precedes the Epistle reading, it is normally sung three times to one of many melodies composed for it. This is followed by singing Glory...
When is the Trisagion sung?
In the Latin liturgy. In the Latin Church, the main regular use of the Trisagion is on Good Friday, when it is sung during the ceremony of the Adoration of the Cross, in Popule meus. In the Sistine Chapel, the traditional setting was the polyphonic musical setting of Palestrina.
Where did the Trisagion originate?
The Coptic Orthodox Church and Armenian Apostolic Church believe that the Trisagion originated from Nicodemus. While taking the body of Christ off the cross with Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus saw Jesus Christ's eyes open and then shouted "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal".
Who is the resurrection, the life, and the repose of your departed servant?
Priest: For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servant (s) (Name), Christ our God, and to You we offer glory, with Your eternal Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen.
What are the liturgical texts of the Orthodox Church?
Liturgical Texts of the Orthodox Church. Priest: Blessed is our God always , now and forever and to the ages of ages . People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
What does the priest pray?
People: Grant this, O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
Where do all your saints repose?
In Your place of rest, O Lord, where all Your Saints repose, give rest also to the soul (s) of Your servant (s), for You alone are immortal. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are our God who descended into Hades and loosened the pains of those who were held captive.
What does the Holy Trinity say about mercy?
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the glory of Your name. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Trisagion Prayer
The Trisagion Prayers are a set of ancient prayers that begin each service of the Daily Cycle. They are also commonly used to begin one's private prayers.
Oriental Orthodox version
In the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Trisagion is understood as addressing Christ, and is amended to read: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, who was crucified for us, have mercy on us."
TRISAGION
PRIEST: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
FUNERAL SERVICE
PRIEST: Blessed is our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages.
What is a trisagion?
A Trisagion is a prayer service performed by a priest and it happens immediately following the death or on the night before the funeral. A Trisagion may also occur at the gravesite after the service and on memorial days set by the church.
Where does the Trisagion take place?
The family members and the church community attend. The first Trisagion can take place in the home of the deceased or at the funeral home. One of the lines recited is, "Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.".
What does the Greek Orthodox Church believe about death?
The Greek Orthodox Church believes that in life after death, the soul is reunited with the body and with Christ — and a deceased person hasn’t just died, he’s “fallen asleep.”.
How long is a Greek funeral?
A bit longer than the average funeral length, A Greek Orthodox funeral service is about 90 minutes long. The church ceremony is about one hour and the burial is about 30 minutes. A luncheon is optional and lasts around one to three hours.
What is the name of the service that a priest leads at a funeral?
Once the body has been prepared, a priest will lead a prayer service called the Panikhida. This marks the beginning of a three-day wake. During the wake, the Book of Psalms is recited by family and friends.
Why is death important in Greek Orthodox tradition?
Greek Orthodox traditions are extremely intentional because death is a sacred passage. Death is approached with fearlessness and strong faith — and loved ones are memorialized even years after death.
Is cremation allowed in Greek Orthodox Church?
The services usually include a wake and funeral mass in a church. Like many conservative Christian religions, cremation is not allowed. The Greek Orthodox Church believes in the resurrection of the body and views cremation as a sin. The family members recite readings and they may also serve as pallbearers.
What is the Trisagion service?
During this time, the priest prays the Trisagion Service for the deceased and the family. The Trisagion Service is a brief service not more than 10 minutes in duration. "Trisagion" means “Thrice-Holy,” and is so named because the prayer, “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us,” is repeated three times.
How many times is the Trisagion service?
The Trisagion Service is a brief service not more than 10 minutes in duration. "Trisagion" means “Thrice-Holy,” and is so named because the prayer, “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us,” is repeated three times.
How many stages are there in a Greek Orthodox funeral?
A Greek Orthodox funeral consists of five stages. There is a wake -- typically the day before the funeral -- a funeral service, a burial and often a funeral luncheon. There are several Greek Orthodox customs which take place within these stages. However, in order to have a Greek Orthodox funeral, the deceased must first be deemed eligible.
Can a Greek Orthodox person be cremated?
Some of these violations include suicide and marriage outside the Orthodox Church. If the deceased is cremated after death, he will also be ineligible for an Orthodox funeral.
Overview
Usage
When the Trisagion is sung during the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Rite, before the Prokeimenon of the Gospel that precedes the Epistle reading, it is normally sung three times to one of many melodies composed for it. This is followed by singing Glory... Now..., the second half of the Trisagion once, and finally the whole Trisagion a fourth time:
Holy God, Holy [and] Mighty, Holy [and] Immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy [and] Mighty…
Form of the prayer
The Trisagion prayer is an ancient prayer in Christianity.
In Greek:
Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Hágios ho Theós, Hágios iskhūrós, Hágios āthánatos, eléēson hēmâs.
In Latin:
History
The Greek phrase Trisagion translates as "Thrice Holy" – as in this hymn God is described as holy in three different qualities; Agios o Theos means "Holy God".
The hymn is of great antiquity, and perhaps much older than the event assigned by the Greek Menology as connected to its origin. The tradition recounts that during the reign of Theodosius II (408-450) Constantinople was shaken by a viol…
Other languages
Afrikaans:
Heilige God, Heilige Sterke, Heilige Onsterflike, Ontferm U oor ons.
Amharic (Ethiopia):
ቅዱስ ፡ እግዚአብሔር ፡ ቅዱስ ፡ ኃያል ፡ ቅዱስ ፡ ሕያው ፡ የማይሞት ፡ የማይለወጥ አቤቱ ፡ ይቅር ፡ በለን ። Qədus ʾƎgziäbḥer, Qədus Ḫayal, Qədus Ḥəyaw, Yämaymot, ʾÄbetu Yəqər Bälän.
Anti-Trisagion
Some services call for replacing the Trisagion with an alternative invocation known as an Anti-Trisagion. The variants of the hymn include:
• "Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, Master, and we glorify Thy Holy Resurrection."
• "As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia." — from Galatians 3:27
Sources
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Agios O Theos". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Improperia". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
External links
• "Trisagion Prayer – Legion of Mary".
• "The Eucharistic Holy God (music score)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2015.
Translations of The Trisagion
- English: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Arabic: قدوسٌ الله ، قدوسٌ القوي ، قدوسٌ الذي لا يموت إرحمنا (quddūsun ˀilāh, quddūsun il-qawwī, quddūsun ˀallaḏī lā yamūt, ˀirḫamna). Church Slavonic: Svjatyj Bozhe, Svjatyj Krepkij, Svjatyj Bezsmertnyj, Pomiluj nas. Finnish: Pyhä Jumala, Pyhä Väkevä, Pyhä Kuolematon, armahda meitä. French: Saint Dieu, Saint Fort, Saint Immortel, ai…
Trisagion Prayer
- The Trisagion Prayers are a set of ancient prayers that begin each service of the Daily Cycle. They are also commonly used to begin one's private prayers. +Glory to Thee, our God, Glory to Thee.المجد لك يا إلهنا المجد لك O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, the Treasury of good things a...
Oriental Orthodox Version
- In the Oriental OrthodoxChurches, the Trisagion is understood as addressing Christ, and is amended to read: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, who was crucified for us, have mercy on us."
External Links
- A Note: The Translation of the Trisagion(PDF)
- Chapter X.—Concerning the Trisagium ('the Thrice Holy') by St. John of Damascus in his Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, trans. by Rev. S. D. F. Salmond