Why we chant Kerie-layson (Lord Have Mercy) 41 times?

Saturday, May 30 2009

We say "Kire Elyson" or "Lord Have Mercy" 41 times. What is the significance of the number 41? “So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe." John 19:1-2 We chant Kerie-layson (Lord Have Mercy) 41 times since number 41 representing the 39 lashes Christ received before the crucifixion, plus one for the spear in His side, plus one for the crown of thorns. We put our sins on Christ’s back and ask for His mercy thus we come out as righteous.