EYEN ERONG ABASI

When the time comes for the breaking of the bread, the choir leads the congregation in the Agnus Dei, a profound moment of petition before Communion. "Eyen Erong Abasi" is Jude Nnam’s setting of this essential prayer in the Efik language. The words "Eyen erong Abasi emi, emende mme idionkpo ererimbot efep" carry the familiar plea: Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

The arrangement captures the solemn, hopeful spirit of the Communion rite. The voices move together in a steady, reverent rhythm, repeating the invocation before breaking into the earnest harmonies of "Tua nnyin mbom" (have mercy on us). In the final section, the prayer shifts to "No nnyin emem," asking the Lord to grant us peace. It is a gentle, grounding piece that helps quiet the church and prepare the faithful to approach the altar.