Spirit proceeds from Father and Son; Filioque accepted through Latinization
The Maronite Church affirms the full divinity and personhood of the Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity. In contrast to most Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholics who recite the Nicene Creed without the Filioque, Maronite liturgical practice has historically included the Latin addition—'who proceeds from the Father and the Son'—as a result of centuries of Latinization. The Maronite Church thus follows the Latin Rite in this matter.
The Holy Spirit's role in the Church, in the sacraments, and in the life of the believer is strongly emphasized in Maronite liturgical texts. The Syriac tradition of the Antiochene Church gave great prominence to the Holy Spirit, including a rich tradition of epiclesis—invocation of the Holy Spirit over the Eucharistic gifts. Maronite anaphoras contain beautiful invocations of the Spirit as the one who transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- third divine person, coequal and consubstantial; proceeds from Father and Son (filioque)
- Spiritual gifts view:
- charisms present and active in the Church; charismatic renewal acknowledged
- Spirit baptism:
- received at Baptism and Confirmation (Chrismation); sacramental gifts
Scripture References
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§687–747
- Synod of Mount Lebanon (1736)
- Council of Florence, Laetentur Caeli (1439)
- Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, The Greek and Latin Traditions Regarding the Procession of the Holy Spirit (1995)