ALLELUIA The Greek form of the Hebrew word Hallelujah, which means “Praise the Lord“ Orthodox Christians sing a chorus of Alleluia interspersed with psalm verses (alleluia verses) prior to the Gospel reading at the Divine Liturgy.
In the Divine Liturgy as celebrated in the Eastern Church, Alleluia is sung either three times without a refrain (in Greek practice) or nine times with a refrain (in Slavic practice) as a prelude to the reading of the day, just after the apostolic reading at the Divine Liturgy. It is also sung as a funeral dirge, and at most other Orthodox services. It is found many times in the book of Psalms. Like Amen or Hosanna, the word has been used in the Church in its original Hebrew.