GLORIA PATRI. - A formula of praise and glorification of all three Divine Persons, it is a simple development of the Trinitarian baptismal formula (Mt. 28:19). Its author cannot be precisely determined, nor the time of its introduction into the liturgy.
The doxology was used by the Fathers in various forms: that of "G. P. per Filium in Sp. S.," almost universally in the East (Origen, De orat., 33), or that of "G. P. cum Filio et Sp. S." (Martyrium Polycarpi, 14, 3, 22, 3). Finally, as a watchword of the orthodox, the formula was changed to that of "G. P. et Filio et Sp. S." (Syriac inscription of 569; Flavian of Antioch in 381), while the Arians held to the first, "G. P. per F. in Sp. S.," which in itself is not erroneous, but was badly interpreted by them (St. Basil, De Spiritu Sancto, of 375). In the Mozarabic liturgy, in accordance with Ps. 28:2, one says "Gloria et honor Patri et F. et Sp. S.," according to the Fourth Council of Toledo, can. XV of 633, whose author was St. Isidore.
To the doxology was added the final clause "in saecula saeculorum. Amen," most commonly used among the Hebrews (v. Rom. 16:27; Hebr. 13:21); it is still used today, alone, in the Mozarabic liturgy; by the Greeks and Latins "Et nunc et semper et" is placed before it. Proper to the Western Churches alone (excluding Spain), the clause begins with "Sicut erat in principio," introduced in the 5th century, also as a protest against the Arians, according to the first attestation of the Council of Vaison (529); it is doubtful what its subject is, whether the term "Gloria" or the Son or an implied subject.
The doxology "G. P." is used as a psalm verse at the end of the psalms in the Office, except during the Sacred Triduum; in the Mass only with the psalms Judica (42) of the Introit, and with that of the Lavabo (25), here too except during the time of the Passion and at Requiem Masses. The addition gives every psalm a Christian tone; it was perhaps first used in Antioch in antiphonal singing and spread with it throughout the world; in the time of St. Benedict the use is general. In extraliturgical use the "G. P." was always one of the most popular formulas; the first part is regarded as a profession of faith, sometimes accompanied by the sign of the Cross.
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