The Rite of Trisagion in the Syro-Malabar liturgy
Trisagion, literally meaning 'thrice-holy' (tris-agion), is the name given to the liturgical hymn "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us". This hymn is sung in all liturgical traditions, both Eastern and Western. In the Latin rite it is used at the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, whereas in the Oriental rites it is used in most liturgical services, above all, in the Holy Eucharist. This article aims to describe the liturgical history of this rite in the East Syriac tradition, basing on early Syriac sources. The study proceeds under five sections. First of all, we try to determine the period in which Trisagion entered into the East Syriac liturgy. The second section deals with the main East Syriac sources on the origin of Trisagion. The textual aspects and the addressee of the hymn are analysed in the following two sections respectively. Finally, the liturgical function of this hymn in the East Syriac liturgy is briefly commented on. All the texts given as indented quotations within the article are our translations from the Syriac sources.