Doksologia „Per ipsum...”

Abstract

The liturgy of the ancient Church revealed a lot of features common for the East and for the West. With time certain practices begin to emerge. Pronouncing the words of the Little Elevation, making the sign of the Cross, kneeling and kissing belong here. These features make more prominent the theological texts and practices showing Christ as the Pantocrator of liturgy. It is through Him that Salvation reaches people and the offering of worship and thanksgiving is made to God through Him. The offering is made by Totus Christus - the Head and the members; this is why participation in liturgy requires sacrificing oneself. This participation in liturgy leads to self-deification and in consequence to unity with the saved in heaven, as "in unilate Spiritus Sancii" means in the unity of the whole Church - the living on earth and the saved in heaven. This doxology also has a Trinitarian dimension and reveals the truth about the Trinity, which is contained in the words "Deo Patri omnipotent?’ The faithful’s acclamation is a wish and a confirmation of the participants of the Mass liturgy.