In this lecture, Pope Shenouda III explains the Orthodox teaching about the procession of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the difference between the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic understanding, and then discusses the concept of physical separation in marriage within Catholic thought and the Orthodox view on divorce.

🕊 First: The Procession of the Holy Spirit

1. The true Orthodox doctrine
According to Orthodox faith, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone, as stated in the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381:

“Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father.”

Scripture also confirms this truth in John 15:26:

“When the Comforter comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father.”

2. The error of the Catholic addition
The Catholic Church added the phrase “and from the Son” (Filioque) to the Creed. This Latin addition first appeared in Portugal in the 6th century and was never part of the Greek text or the writings of the early Fathers. It contradicts both Scripture and the correct understanding of the Holy Trinity.

3. A simple illustration of the Trinity
His Holiness compared the Trinity to a fire that emits both heat and light:

• The fire represents the Father.

• The light represents the Son.

• The heat represents the Holy Spirit.
  The heat proceeds from the fire, not from the light. Saying that the Spirit proceeds from the Son implies that the Spirit is lesser than both the Father and the Son, which distorts the unity and equality of the Trinity.

💍 Second: Physical separation and divorce

1. The Catholic position
Catholics absolutely forbid divorce—even in cases of adultery. They allow what is called “physical separation”, meaning the spouses separate in body but remain legally married, and neither can remarry.

2. The Coptic Orthodox position
According to the Holy Bible, the Orthodox Church allows divorce only in the case of adultery, as shown in:

• Matthew 19:9

• Mark 10:11

• Matthew 5:32

• Luke 16:18

3. Catholic developments
Finding it difficult to maintain such strictness, the Catholic Church introduced the concept of marriage annulment, which became widely expanded. Marriages could be declared invalid for reasons such as coercion, lack of true intention, or refusal of parenthood.

4. Other related issues
His Holiness also mentioned related differences, such as:

• The Catholic rule of clerical celibacy, though Scripture does not forbid priestly marriage.

• Other topics concerning the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, to be discussed later.

🌿 Spiritual message

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who proceeds from the Father, working within the Church and uniting believers in one faith.
Christian marriage is a sacred mystery based on love, purity, and faithfulness—not merely a legal bond.
God calls us to live in truth, both in doctrine and in personal relationships, guided by the Spirit of truth.

For better translation support, please contact the center.