Praying the Trisagion
The Trisagion, also known as the Thrice-Holy Hymn, is an ancient prayer in Christian liturgy, particularly used in the Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and some Western Christian traditions. The name “Trisagion” comes from Greek, meaning “Thrice-Holy,” as it praises God three times with the words:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
This prayer is often recited or sung during liturgical services, especially at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy or other prayer services. Its threefold invocation of God’s holiness reflects the belief in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each aspect of God being holy and deserving of reverence. The Trisagion has its roots in early Christian worship and is inspired by the Sanctusprayer, found in the vision of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:3) and echoed in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 4:8), where angels proclaim God’s holiness.
In the Western tradition, the Trisagion also appears on Good Friday, emphasizing its universal appeal in Christian spirituality as a way to adore God’s transcendence and seek His mercy.
Praying the Trisagion
Praying the Trisagion is a beautiful and reverent way to enter into God’s presence, invoking His holiness and mercy. Here is a step-by-step guide to praying it, often used in Eastern Christian traditions but accessible to anyone who wishes to include this in their prayer practice:
1. Prepare Yourself in Prayerful Silence
Begin by finding a quiet place and centering yourself, bringing your thoughts into God’s presence. Some may choose to cross themselves or light a candle as a sign of reverence.
2. The Prayer of the Trisagion
Pray each line slowly, pausing to reflect on God’s holiness and majesty:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
Repeat this prayer three times, each time focusing on the different attributes of God: His divinity, His strength, and His eternal nature.
3. Concluding Prayers (Optional)
In some traditions, the Trisagion prayer is part of a longer series of prayers. Here is one way to conclude:
- “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.”
Then, follow with these shorter prayers:
- “All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name’s sake.“
- “Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”
4. Final Reflection
Conclude by sitting in silence, allowing God’s presence to fill your heart. Offer any additional personal prayers or intentions you may have, trusting in His mercy and love.
Meaning and Reflection
As you pray, remember that each line of the Trisagion is an act of adoration and submission. It acknowledges our need for God’s mercy and reminds us of His holiness, power, and eternal nature. It invites us to enter a deeper awareness of the mystery of God, just as the angels do in heaven.
This prayer is often prayed as a way to center oneself, especially during times of need, sorrow, or confusion, as it calls on God to bring His peace and mercy into our lives.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
The biblical references for the trisagion
The Trisagion (“Thrice Holy”) is a hymn used prominently in Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and some Western liturgical traditions. The core phrase is:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
This formulation doesn’t appear word-for-word in the Bible but is drawn from and inspired by multiple scriptural references. Here are the key biblical foundations:
📖 Primary Biblical Inspirations
1. Isaiah 6:3
“And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’”
- This vision of the seraphim is one of the main foundations for the Trisagion. The thrice-repeated “holy”emphasizes the absolute sanctity of God.
2. Revelation 4:8
“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’”
- Echoing Isaiah, this scene from John’s vision in heaven connects directly to the ongoing worship of God.
3. Psalm 103:20 (LXX 102:20)
“Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!”
- This supports the phrase “Holy Mighty”, connecting the concept of holiness with divine strength and angelic worship.
🕊️ Liturgical Development
- The Trisagion hymn as it appears in Orthodox liturgy is not a direct biblical quote but rather a liturgical synthesis—drawing especially from Isaiah 6, Revelation 4, and traditional Jewish and Christian liturgical praise.
- In some traditions, the hymn is extended in Christological forms (e.g., “who was crucified for us, have mercy on us”) particularly in the Oriental Orthodox Church.
How different denominations interpret or use the Trisagion in worship or theology
Here’s how different Christian traditions interpret and use the Trisagion in theology and worship:
🕍 Eastern Orthodox Church
🔹 Usage
- The Trisagion is a core part of the Divine Liturgy, recited or chanted before the reading of the Epistle.
- Also used in Orthros (Matins), Vespers, and funeral services.
🔹 Theology
- Seen as a heavenly hymn, joining human worship with the angelic hosts.
- Emphasizes the Trinitarian nature of God, though the text itself doesn’t name the Trinity directly.
✝️ Eastern Catholic Churches
🔹 Usage
- Use it identically to their Eastern Orthodox counterparts in the Byzantine Rite.
- It’s recited during the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomand St. Basil.
🔹 Theology
- Shares Eastern Orthodox theology but in communion with the Roman Pope.
- Viewed as a deeply reverent expression of God’s holiness and mercy.
🕊️ Oriental Orthodox Churches
🔹 Usage
- The Syriac, Armenian, and Coptic traditions all use the Trisagion with Christological additions.
- For example:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, who was crucified for us, have mercy on us.”
- For example:
🔹 Theology
- This Christological addition sparked theological tension with Chalcedonian churches.
- Emphasizes the unity of Christ’s divine and human nature—a key point in Miaphysite theology.
⛪ Roman Catholic Church
🔹 Usage
- Not part of the Roman Rite Mass, but used in the Good Friday liturgy, Eastern rites in communion with Rome, and in the Liturgy of the Hours occasionally.
- Chanted during some monastic offices.
🔹 Theology
- Recognized as a venerable hymn of the universal Church, with origins in early Christian worship.
- Connects to the Sanctus, which is more common in the Western Mass:
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts…”
📜 Protestant Churches
🔹 Usage
- Generally not used liturgically, except in more liturgical denominations (e.g., Anglican, Lutheran).
- Some Anglican and high Lutheran traditions include it in Morning Prayer or Eucharistic liturgy.
🔹 Theology
- Acknowledged for its biblical basis (Isaiah and Revelation).
- May be used devotionally or in hymns emphasizing God’s transcendence and holiness.
🌐 Ecumenical and Interfaith Observations
- The Trisagion reflects a common biblical vision of heavenly worship.
- It serves as a point of theological reflection and liturgical unity, especially between Eastern and Westerntraditions.
- Its Jewish roots (the angelic chant in Isaiah) highlight the continuity between Jewish and Christian liturgical expressions of holiness.
How this hymn could be incorporated into personal or group devotional practice and multi
Incorporating the Trisagion into personal and group devotional practices can deepen a sense of reverence, connection to ancient tradition, and unity with global Christian worship. Here’s a structured guide:
🙏 PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL USE
1. Morning or Evening Prayer
- Use the Trisagion as an opening invocation to begin or end your daily prayers.
- Example:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on me.” (Repeat three times slowly, pausing for reflection.)
2. Meditative Prayer
- Chant or whisper the Trisagion slowly, focusing on each word.
- Use deep breathing: inhale on “Holy God,” exhale on “have mercy on us.”
- Optionally light a candle or use prayer beads for rhythm and grounding.
3. Journaling Prompt
- After praying the Trisagion, write:
- “What does God’s holiness mean to me today?”
- “Where do I need mercy in my life right now?”
- “What does it mean to call God mighty or immortal?”
4. During Spiritual Warfare or Crisis
- Pray the Trisagion in moments of fear, doubt, or spiritual conflict. The repetitive invocation can anchor and calm the soul.
🤝 GROUP DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE
1. Opening Prayer for Bible Study or Fellowship
- Begin with the Trisagion chanted or spoken by all.
- Option: One person leads each line, and the group repeats.
2. Choral Chant or Responsorial Form
- Divide into two groups:
- Group A: “Holy God”
- Group B: “Holy Mighty”
- All: “Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
3. Lectio Divina Integration
- Read Isaiah 6:1–3 or Revelation 4:6–11 aloud.
- Pray the Trisagion.
- Reflect silently, then share thoughts as guided.
4. Devotional Walk or Labyrinth
- Recite the Trisagion while walking a labyrinth or in a peaceful outdoor setting.
- Repeat the prayer at intervals as a walking meditation.
5. Intercession Circle
- Each person names a prayer request or need for mercy.
- After each request, all say:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy.”
🌍 MULTILINGUAL VERSION (For Diverse Groups)
Here are versions in key liturgical languages:
English:
Holy God,
Holy Mighty,
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Greek (Byzantine tradition):
Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός,
Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός,
Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.
Syriac (Eastern and Oriental traditions):
Qaddišā Alāhā,
Qaddišā Ḥaylānā,
Qaddišā Lā Māyūthā, eṭraḥem ‘alain.
Coptic (Egyptian Orthodox):
Agios o Theos,
Agios esh-shereiros,
Agios athanatos, eleison emas.
