Q&A Home > H > Holy Spirit

• As Catholics we believe the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. What is the Coptic Orthodox church belief concerning this matter?
• As Orthodox, we believe that the apostles granted the Sacrament of the laying of the hands after Baptism so that the baptized receive the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of them (Acts 9:2-6). The apostles, Church Fathers, and their successors the Bishops, later established anointing by the Myron Oil as an alternative for laying hands for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Since the priest and parishioners have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them already, why do we call down the Holy Spirit to participate in Church rites if He is already present?
• Does the Coptic Orthodox Church believe in the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" as taught by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12-14 as still active today?
• Does the Holy Spirit convict every human being of their need for salvation through Jesus Christ; Or does the Holy Spirit only convict the elect of God (i.e. those who have accepted the work of the Holy Spirit)? Also, what happens to those who have not even heard of Christ? Is the Holy Spirit convicting them; or is it our duty to preach the Gospel of Christ to them first so the Holy Spirit may convict them?
• If the Holy Spirit is to be given only through the apostles' laying their hands; why did the Holy Spirit come on Cornelius and his house before they got baptized by St. Peter (Acts 10)?
• In the breath of life, among other things, was the Holy Spirit given to Adam and Eve? Was the Holy Spirit taken away from humanity when humanity sinned? After His Baptism, did Christ re-receive the Holy Spirit as a man because the Holy Spirit was taken away from humanity when humanity sinned? If so, is there any biblical reference of this? Is there any Patristic reference?
• In the Holy Gospel of St. John 20:22, what does "breathed" mean? Did our Lord give the Disciples the Holy Spirit; or prepare them to receive it?
• Is it wrong to say that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and is sent by the Son? If so, why?
• Recently I have been having many blasphemous thoughts. I have repeatedly cursed the Holy Spirit. This makes me very scared and worried about my salvation. Supported by my family and friends, I have repented. However, I am still afraid. I don't know what to do. I feel that my relationship with God is being destroyed.
• Some studies say that Spirit is the eternal essence of God because God is Spirit; so, is this Sprit the same third Person of the Trinity? But God is also love. St. Augustine said that the Holy Spirit is the bond of love that unites the Father and the Son. Is it so; or is it that the Holy Spirit is not necessarily the bond of love, but is a Person of the Trinity that is equally united with the Father and Son?
• The Holy Spirit was not included in the Council of Nicea, does this mean He is not God?
• What is being filled with the Holy Spirit and how can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
• What is the difference between a gift of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. What exactly is St. Paul talking about in the Holy Book of 1 Corinthians 12:9 "faith by the same Spirit”? Are we not all supposed to strive for this kind of faith?
• Why does the Holy Spirit come from the Father, and not from Christ who has already told His Holy Disciples that when He leaves, He will send them the Comforter. Besides, what is the reason for all this, when the Three are in One and Each does a certain job?
• "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit it will not be forgiven him" (Luke 12:10). What exactly does "blaspheming against the Holy Spirit" mean? Does this sin apply to me as a Christian?