DOXOLOGY, an ascription of praise to the Almighty; in particular the Greater Doxol ogy (Gloria in excelsis, Glory to God in the highest) and the Lesser Doxology (Gloria Potri et Filio, etc., Glory be to the Father and the Son; etc.). The Greater Doxology, as is seen, opens with the words of the evangelist Saint Luke when he recounts the citcumstances attending the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem; the heavenly host chanting Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will. This Greater Doxology has a place in the Roman Catholic liturgy and in the communion service of the Anglican Church. Its introduction into the liturgy dates only from the time of Pope Symmachus (beginning of 6th century); pre viously it had been customary to recite it after the Mass. The Lesser Doxology had its origin apparently in the commission given to the Apostles (Matt. xxviii, 19) to teach all nations, baptizing them "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? An ancient form of this Doxology is *Glory to the Father in the Son,' and that was considered to be consistent with orthodoxy till the Arians favored it as express, ing their view of the relation of Jesus Christ to God the Father; then the orthodox rejected it and employed the other formula exclusively.
In the Roman Catholic breviary at the end of each of the psalms of the daily office the Gloria Patri, etc., is always pronounced. The latter portion of this doxology, n as it was in the be ginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen? was appended as a protest against certain heretics of the 6th century who denied the Son's eter nity. Another doxology called the Trisagion is also in use. It is the seraphic hymn from Isaiah. The Protestants sometimes apply the term to the hymn written by Bishop Thomas Ken. Its opening line is *Praise God from whom all blessings flow."