What taraneem can I listen to when I am angry?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, while modern songs or "taraneem" can be helpful for many, the most effective spiritual treatment for anger is found in the Psalms (ⲯⲁⲗⲧⲏⲣⲓⲟⲛ) and the Praises (ⲧⲉⲛϩⲱⲥ) of the Church. Anger is a passion that requires the soothing medicine of the Word of God and the humility found in our liturgical rites.

If you are looking for specific spiritual songs or chants to listen to when you are angry, I recommend the following:

1. The Psalms of the Agpeya

Anger often stems from a feeling of injustice or pride. Listening to the Psalms of the Sunset Prayer (the Eleventh Hour) is very effective. It reminds us that "the sun should not go down on your wrath."

• Psalm 120 (121): "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?"
• Psalm 129 (130): "Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord."

2. Meditative Coptic Chants

Rather than fast-paced music, listen to the slow, deep melodies of the Church that call for repentance and inner peace (ⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏ).

• The Litany of the Sick or the Litany of the Departed: These melodies, especially when chanted by experienced cantors like Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, or Moalem George Mikhail, help put our temporary earthly frustrations into the perspective of eternity.
• "ⲕⲩⲣⲓⲉ ⲉⲗⲉⲏⲥⲟⲛ" (Lord Have Mercy): Listening to the repetitive, rhythmic chanting of the 41 "Kyrie Eleisons" can act as a spiritual "reset" for the nervous system and the soul.

3. Spiritual Songs (Taraneem) Focused on Peace

If you prefer contemporary spiritual songs, look for those that focus on:

• The Cross: Focusing on the passion of ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲡⲭⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ (Jesus Christ) humbles the heart. When we see the Master silent before His executioners, our own reasons for anger seem small.
• Surrender and Contentment: Look for songs with lyrics about "Tasleem" (surrender to God's will).

4. A Warning on "Modern" Influence

Be cautious with some modern Protestant-style "worship" songs. They often focus heavily on emotionalism and "self," which can sometimes feed the ego rather than crucifying the passion of anger. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we seek "Hoshia" (godly fear) and "Metanoia" (repentance). Anger is a fire; do not feed it with loud, emotional music. Instead, quench it with the cool water of the ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲓⲁ (Theotokia) or the quietude of a traditional Coptic hymn.

5. Spiritual Reading/Audio

Sometimes listening to the Life of St. Anthony or the sayings of the Desert Fathers regarding anger is more beneficial than music. St. John Cassian noted that "we should not only not be angry with others, but not even with ourselves." Listening to the wisdom of the Fathers reminds us that the "wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20).

For the best experience, I suggest finding recordings of the Midnight Praises (Tasbeha). The focus on praising God regardless of circumstances is the ultimate victory over the spirit of anger.