HISTORY AND MEANING OF THE DOXOLOGY - DR. GIL HAAS, SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

Christians often employ a doxology as a song of praise to the Holy Trinity.  In keeping with this tradition, the final stanza of several hymns incorporate a doxology format.  The Gloria in Excelsis Deo, also known as the Greater Doxology, is the hymn that angels sang at Christ’s birth.  The Gloria Patri, which is known as the Lesser Doxology, is literally translated from Latin as “Glory (be) to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.  As it was in the beginning, and now, and always, and to the ages of ages.  Amen.”  “Always” is often rendered in English as “and ever shall be” with the final phrase rendered “world without end”.  A modern version of this doxology is phrased: “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.  Amen.”    Another doxology in widespread English use is often referred to as “The Common Doxology”.  It begins with the well known phrase, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”.   These words, when sung to the tune “Old 100th”, frequently serve as a dedication of offerings at Sunday worship. 
~Dr. Gil Haas, Saint Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma