Post by Fr David Neuhaus SJ | 3 April 2026
Good Friday with the Christians of the East
In this time of great travail in the Middle East, I propose some hymns for Good Friday from the Christian traditions of the Middle East. These beautiful meditations on the mystery of Christ crucified are very appropriate as we see the peoples of the Middle East passing through their own Way of the Cross. Then as now, self-interested, heartless leaders were responsible for the death of the innocent. In communion with our brothers and sisters and all people of good will, let our voices be united in a prayer that this devastation might stop!
Undoubtedly the greatest singer of the Holy Week hymns in the Byzantine tradition is the renowned Lebanese diva Fairouz. Her voice is heard throughout the Middle East, beloved by all who speak Arabic.
The Byzantine hymn “Hung on a tree”
Translation:
Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon a Tree.
He who is King of the Angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.
He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in mocking purple.
He who freed Adam in the Jordan receives a blow on the face.
The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.
The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.
We worship Thy Passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy Passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy Passion, O Christ.
Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection.
The Byzantine hymn “My beloved” sung by Fairouz (with subtitles in English)
Maronite hymn “Mary stood” (in Arabic) sung by Christiane Najjar
Translation:
Mary, daughter of David, stood before the cross,
mourning her son crucified by the soldiers.
The spear of sorrow pierced her soul,
and from its pain, she lost consciousness.
Then the mother awoke and cried, “Oh, my son!
My beloved, my beloved, my son, speak to me!
How can I see you naked and not weep for you, my son?
Your pains have burned my heart, your sufferings have pierced my soul.
Is there life for your mother, my son, after your death?
O Mother of Jesus, daughter of the Most Generous Father,
O Bride of the Most Holy Spirit,
Share with us the sufferings of our Redeemer, adorn us with the grace of our Creator,
That we may serve you forever and ever, day and day.
Syriac hymn “We venerate the Cross” with the St. Efrem Patriarchal Choir of Damascus and the Syrian National Orchestra (with subtitles in English)
Coptic hymn for Good Friday
Translation:
O God have mercy on us. Grant us Your mercy.
Deal with us according to your mercy in Your kingdom. Lord, have mercy.
O King of peace, give us Your peace, grant us Your peace, and forgive us our sins. Lord, have mercy.
Disperse the enemies, of the Church, and fortify her, that she may never weaken. Lord, have mercy.
Emmanuel our God, is now in our midst, with the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit. Lord, have mercy.
May He bless us all, and purify our hearts, and heal the sicknesses, of our souls and bodies. Lord, have mercy.
We worship You O Christ, with Your Good Father, and the Holy Spirit, for You were crucified and saved us.