Originally, the Mass in Eastern Europe, where it started, was celebrated in Greek.
With time, as Christianity spread further West into Europe it was celebrated in Latin.
And as time moved on, it is now celebrated in English, or whichever language is spoken in the Country where Mass is celebrated.
Except for three words which have survived time and are still from the original Greek Mass.
Kyrie Eleison
Christe Eleison
Meaning "Lord have mercy" and "Christ have mercy".
It is important to remember that by "Lord", or "Sir" we do not mean that we look up to Our Lord as some Master or Ruler. In this context, the word "Kyrie" means "Lord" in the sense of a child looking up to one's loving parent and asking for help, love, guidance and protection.
So when we sing at Mass "Kyrie Eleison" we look up to God our loving Father and ask Him to be always by our side and have mercy on us. And we call upon Christ His Son, in the same prayer.
...Victor, I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Same to you, Tom.
DeleteGod bless always.
It is wonderful to be part of the body of Christ on earth through believing in Jesus, as it gives us the ability to become a child of God and to call on our Father for help. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAmen Brenda. Thank you so much for your visit.
DeleteGod bless, my friend.
In the words of my late friend, every day is a school day, Thank you, Victor.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mevely. It was until the late 50s that Mass was celebrated in Latin. Then it was decided to celebrate it in the language of the country where Mass is celebrated. Today, there are still Catholics who insist Mass should be celebrated in Latin; and some churches do that and are frowned upon. So as you can see, we are good at arguing over such things amongst others.
DeleteGod bless, Mevely.
The Anglican/Episcopal church uses this same incantation, Victor. I love it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanx Martha. I did not know that. Sometimes in church we also sing the Gloria in Latin.
DeleteGod bless you always.
Interesting about the language changes. I wish I could still appeciate any kind of music. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack hit and miss lately..
Yes, Jack; the language changed from Latin in the late 50s to English or whatever language the Mass is celebrated. See my response to Mevely above.
DeleteHope you and Sherry are keeping well.
God bless you both.
It's such a beautiful way to worship, just ask for help and know it will come in the form He deems best.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Mimi. Thanx.
DeleteGod bless you.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteYes, that brings back fond memories of High Mass from my youth in The Netherlands!
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, in those days Masses were celebrated in Latin. Good music and singing too.
DeleteGod bless, Mariette.
AMEN!
Delete