Holy Spirit

The General Message of the Lecture

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Feast of Pentecost as the day of the founding of the Church and the descent of the Holy Spirit, highlighting its biblical and spiritual dimensions and its essential role in the life of the Church and believers.

First: Pentecost and the Founding of the Church

The Feast of Pentecost is the fiftieth day after the Resurrection, and it is the day on which the Church was officially established through the descent of the Holy Spirit. This day represents the beginning of the New Covenant, when the Church transformed from a small group into a living entity spread throughout the whole world, starting with three thousand souls and continually growing by the power of the Spirit.

Second: Biblical Roots and Symbolism

The feast has a clear prophecy in the Old Testament, where the seven weeks symbolize the completion of the Old Covenant, and the fiftieth day symbolizes a new beginning. The number eight always signifies a new start, which was fulfilled on Pentecost as the beginning of the era of the Church.

Third: The Promise of the Father and the Descent of the Holy Spirit

The descent of the Holy Spirit was a divine promise announced beforehand in the prophetic books and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. In the Old Testament, the Spirit worked in individuals, but in the New Testament He was poured out upon all to dwell in hearts.

Fourth: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church

The Holy Spirit granted power for preaching, bestowed many gifts, guided the apostles in teaching, and spoke through the prophets. Through Him, divine revelation was written. The early Church was a Church of the Holy Spirit, working not by human wisdom but by divine power.

Fifth: The Holy Spirit as Fire and Light

The descent of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by visible signs such as wind and fire, symbolizing the presence of God and His acceptance. Fire refers to purification and spiritual zeal, and light refers to divine illumination that guides believers in their spiritual life.

Sixth: The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer

Every believer is called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him in thought and behavior. By being led by the Spirit, a person becomes a child of God, and the Church lives and continues its mission.

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الروح القدس
Holy Spirit