Also called the “Greater Gloria” and the “Great Doxology,” the Gloria is a version of an ancient Greek hymn dating form the 3rd century (or perhaps to the 1st). A very similar form is found in the Codex Alexandrinus (fifth century) and in Pseudo-Athanasius (before the fourth century). Extended further and with every trace of subordinationism corrected, it is sung by the Byzantine Church at the Orthros. In this form it has more verses than in the Latin, and ends with the Trisagion.

Traditionally it is believed that the Gloria was translated into Latin by St. Hilary of Poitiers (d. 366) and it is quite possible that he learned it during his exile in the East (360) and brought back a version of it with him. In any case, the Latin version differs from the present Greek form. They correspond down to the end of the Latin, which however adds: "Tu solus altissimus" (you alone are the most high) and "Cum sancto Spiritu" (with the Holy Spirit). The Greek then goes on: "Every day I will bless thee and will glorify thy name for ever, and for ever and ever" and continues with ten more verses (chiefly from psalms) and then ends with the Trisagion and Gloria Patri. [from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Their extended article is excellent.]

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The term, "Only-Begotten," (Monogenes in Greek) is a response to the Monophysite heresy.

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Visit the Yale Library Gloria in excelsis

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