Page 165 - Demo

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” Nowlet 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,mostrenowned 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 AthenianoratorDemosthenes“preferredglorytoatranquil 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.”