How old is the phrase Kyrie eleison?

The phrase "Kyrie eleison" is very old, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. It's actually a Greek phrase, meaning "Lord, have mercy".

Here's a breakdown of its history:

* Early Church: The phrase was likely used in Christian prayer and liturgy from the very beginning of the church.

* 4th Century: The phrase is found in the writings of early Church Fathers, like St. Augustine.

* Medieval Period: The phrase became a central part of the liturgy in the Western Church, particularly in the Mass.

* Present Day: "Kyrie eleison" remains a powerful and familiar phrase in many Christian traditions.

While we don't have an exact date for the origin of the phrase, it's safe to say it's at least 1,700 years old, and possibly even older!