Consider this: When we gather together in worship, joining our voices in song with those around us, we are uniting in spirit with millions of believers, with the saints of every age.

What a magnificent thing this is to contemplate, especially for our community of faith worshipping in a church that is under the patronage of all the saints!

One of the songs we sing at All Saints Church is based on the passage from Revelation quoted above. It is the Trisagion, Greek for “Thrice Holy.”

This is an ancient hymn of the Christian church that ascribes to God three attributes of His holiness. It is traditionally sung three times reflecting Trinitarian theology. Listen to the All Saints Choir sing it below:

The Trisagion was first introduced into the liturgy of the Episcopal Church in our most recent prayer book as an alternative to the Kyrie (Lord have mercy) in both Rites One and Two. It can also be used effectively in services of contemplative prayer and healing.

As a relatively recent addition to our liturgy, the Trisagion makes a valuable contribution to our language of prayer further enriching our worship. Because of its triple repetition it is quickly learned and memorized. Though seemingly simple, it is powerful.

As we sing this song acknowledging the holiness of God, we join the Angelic Host rejoicing in His majesty. What a privilege!

God bless you!

Peter