✦ History & Origin
The Kyrie Eleison is one of the oldest prayers in the Roman Rite, unique because it is preserved in Greek rather than Latin. It was originally part of a litany used in Eastern liturgies and was introduced to the Western Roman Church in the late 5th century by Pope Gelasius I.
✦ Historical Insights & Trivia
It represents the only Greek words maintained in the Ordinary of the traditional Roman Mass.
It symbolizes the theological connection and historical unity between the Western (Latin) and Eastern (Greek) Churches.
Traditionally, it is sung as a triple petition (Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie) representing the Holy Trinity.