The Diocese
Posted: 02/14/2025
Who is God the Father?
God the Father is the Creator of the entire universe and all visible and invisible beings. He is almighty and good (Luke 18:9), true (John 17:3), merciful (Luke 6:36), and love itself (1 John 4:8). The Father loved the world so much that He sent His only-begotten Son into this world so that those who believe in Him may attain salvation (John 3:16).
Who is God the Son?
God the Son is our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed Savior, and the only-begotten Son of God the Father (John 3:18). The Son is the true God. Jesus is of the same nature as the Father and shares in His glory. He participated in creation, and through Him, all things were made (John 1:3). Jesus Christ, descending from the Father, became incarnate—meaning He became fully human—and was born of the Holy Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Who is God the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the life-giving Spirit proceeding from God the Father. Like the Son, the Holy Spirit is the true God. He is co-creator with the Father. The Holy Spirit speaks through the prophets and the Gospel. Through Him, Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Virgin Mary. At the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (Mark 1:10). Jesus called blasphemy against the Holy Spirit an unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-33). The Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter (John 16:7-8), who dwells with Christians forever (John 14:15-17). When a Christian is baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity and receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, their body becomes a temple of God, where the Holy Spirit Himself dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16).
What is the significance of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ for us?
By coming into the world, Jesus Christ taught about the Kingdom of God. He suffered for us and, by dying on the cross, cleansed all people of sin with His holy blood (John 5:18-19). Through His victorious resurrection, He conquered death, ascended into heaven in the same body, and sat at the right hand of the Father. He prepared the path of salvation for all true Christians who believe in Him. Jesus clearly stated, "I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). One of the holy fathers of the universal Church, St. Athanasius of Alexandria (3rd century), described the mystery of the Incarnation as follows: "God became man so that man might become godlike," meaning that humans may resemble God in holiness.
Will there be a Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Yes. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will come to the world a second time (Mark 13:24-27). He will return to judge the living and the dead because the Father has entrusted judgment to the Son (John 5:22). Those who have truly followed Christ and lived a true Christian life will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, which has no end. But sinners will be condemned to eternal torment (Matthew 25:41-47).
What is the importance of the Holy Spirit's presence in the life of a faithful Christian?
The Holy Spirit bestows His gifts upon faithful Christians, such as love, faith, hope, wisdom, the gift of healing, and more (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). The Church—the assembly of believers—exists and lives through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides believers throughout their lives, directing their steps toward eternal life. We witness the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit when we begin to see His fruits within us, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
