Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Procession (of the Holy Spirit)

The Spirit eternally 'proceeds' from the Father — the relation that distinguishes the Spirit as a person.

From John 15:26, 'the Spirit … who proceeds (ekporeuetai) from the Father'.

John 15:26; and the Spirit is 'sent' by the Father in the Son's name (John 14:26) and by the Son (John 15:26; 16:7).

The 381 creed says 'proceeds from the Father'. The Western church later added 'and the Son' (filioque), which the East regards as an unauthorised change and a theological error.

As the Son is 'begotten', the Spirit is 'proceeding' — both are eternally from the Father, without being creatures or lesser.

The filioque is the central doctrinal difference between East and West.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.