The Trisagion, or "Thrice-Holy Hymn," is a central and ancient hymn in Christian liturgical tradition, particularly in Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its history blends theological significance and liturgical practice.

Text of the Trisagion

The hymn in its traditional Greek form is as follows:

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός,
Ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός,
Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος,
ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

In English:

Holy God,
Holy Mighty,
Holy Immortal,
have mercy on us.

Origins and History

In accordance to the tradition of the Oriental Orthodox Church the Trisagion first occurred during the time when Christ was taken down from the cross. The Angelical hosts from the heavenly realms began to utter from multiple directions: “Holy art Thou O God”, “Holy art Thou Almighty”, and “Holy art Thou Immortal”. Hearing this, those who were gathered at the foot of the cross in awe and fear responded, “Thou who art crucified for us, have mercy on us!”

1. Early Liturgical Use:

   • The hymn is believed to have been used in Christian worship as early as the 5th century, though its exact origins are debated.

   • It became a fixed part of the Divine Liturgy in both Eastern and Western liturgical traditions. In the East, it is typically sung during the procession of the Gospel.

2. Legend of its Introduction:

   • One prominent tradition attributes the hymn to a miraculous revelation in Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (408–450). According to this account, a great earthquake struck the city, and as the people prayed for deliverance, a boy was lifted into the heavens. He was taught the hymn by angels and instructed to share it with the people. Once they sang it, the earthquake ceased.

3. Biblical and Theological Roots:

   • The Trisagion reflects the thrice-holy proclamation of God found in Isaiah 6:3 ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts") and Revelation 4:8.

   • The hymn's structure emphasizes God's transcendence (Holy God), power (Holy Mighty), and eternal nature (Holy Immortal).

4. Variants and Controversy:

   • In the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Trisagion includes the addition of "who was crucified for us" (Ὁ σταυρωθεὶς δι’ ἡμᾶς). This addition caused theological controversy, as some Byzantine theologians viewed it as a potential conflation of Christ's humanity and divinity.

   • The addition reflects the Christological debates of the 5th century, particularly after the Council of Chalcedon (451), which led to divisions between Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian Christians.

5. Inclusion in Various Services:

   • In Eastern Orthodox practice, the Trisagion is part of the Divine Liturgy, as well as other services like Vespers, Matins, and funerals. It is often sung as a refrain by choirs and the faithful.

   • In Western Christianity, a similar thrice-holy acclamation occurs in the Sanctus of the Mass.

Spiritual Significance

The Trisagion hymn is a profound expression of God's holiness and an acknowledgment of human dependence on divine mercy. It serves as a call to worship, humility, and repentance, reflecting the timelessness and unity of Christian liturgical tradition.