Page 162 - New English Book L
P. 162
161
(the proper Greek pronunciation) is enough to silence
the Pshittha. The precise and the exact corresponding
term to the Latin “bona voluntas,” or “good will,” in the
Greek tongue is certainly not “eudokia,” but “euthelyma.”
In addition, this short but decisive explanation again is
a sufficient reprimand to the priests of the Vatican, of
Phanar (Constantinople), and of Canterbury, who chant
the “Gloria in Excelsis” when they celebrate Mass or
administer other sacraments.
1. The Etymology and Signification of “Eudokia” Now
let us proceed to give the true meaning of “Eudokia.”
The adjectival prefix “eu” signifies “good, well,
more, and most,” as in “eudokimeo” -“to be esteemed,
approved, loved,” and “to acquire glory”; “eudokimos”-
“very esteemed, most renowned and glorious”; “eudoxos”
-“most celebrated and glorious”; “eudoxia”- “celebrity,
renown.” The Greek substantive “doxa,” used in the
compound nouns “orthodox,” “doxology,” and so on, is
derived from the verb “dokeo.” Every student of English
literature knows that “doxa” signifies “glory, honour,
renowned.” There are numerous phrases in the classical
Greek authors where “doxa” is used to signify “glory”:
“Peri doxis makheshai” - “to fight for glory.” The famous
Athenian orator Demosthenes “preferred glory to a tranquil
life,” “glory equal to that of the gods.” I am cognizant of
the fact that “doxa” is, although seldom, used to signify
(a) opinion, belief;
(b) dogma, principle, doctrine; and
(c) anticipation or hope.
All the same, its general and comprehensive sense is
“glory.” In fact, the first portion of the Canticle begins with
“Doxa [Glory] be to Allah in the highest.”