Der Voghormia
Տէր Ողորմեա · Lord, Have Mercy
Armenian church · Mount Ararat region
A profound and meditative rendition of the traditional Armenian penitential hymn, Der Voghormia (Lord, Have Mercy). This sacred chant is a cornerstone of Armenian liturgical music, characterized by its solemn, monodic melody and deeply reverent tone. The piece builds through reverent repetition, creating a contemplative and spiritually resonant atmosphere focused on divine mercy, light, and salvation.
The hymn is a series of penitential petitions and declarations of faith. The core phrase Der Voghormia (Տէր Ողորմեա) — Lord, have mercy — is repeated as a refrain, anchoring the prayer. In each iteration, the Lord is addressed as the source of peace, the fruit of immortal Eden, the Cup of Life, the savior of all, and the eternal God and Light — culminating in the affirmation: Holy and Merciful.
Text
Տէր Ողորմեա,
Տէր Ողորմեա։
Խաղաղութեամբ եւ յոգեւարոյք իմաստով։
Տէր Ողորմեա։
Անմահ Եդեմի պտուղն եւ Կեանքի Բաժակը դու ես։
Տէր Ողորմեա։
Որ հարկելի զամենայն ինչ եւ զամենից փրկիչ դու ես։
Տէր Ողորմեա։
Եւ եթէ՛ց Աստուած եւ Լոյս դու ես։
Տէր Ողորմեա։
Սուրբ եւ Ողորմեա։
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy.
With peace and spiritual understanding.
Lord, have mercy.
You are the fruit of immortal Eden and the Cup of Life.
Lord, have mercy.
You who are necessary for all things and the savior of all.
Lord, have mercy.
And you are the eternal God and Light.
Lord, have mercy.
Holy and Merciful.