Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Catechumens
Kyrie
Nine-fold invocation: Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie.
What happens
The priest and server alternate the Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison, each repeated three times for a total of nine invocations, recited in Greek.
Why it happens
The three sets of three petitions honor the Most Holy Trinity and plead for mercy from each Person. The Greek text preserves the ancient heritage of the Roman liturgy.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae
- RS IV, 3