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Questions & Answers

Creed

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Our Lord and the Faith › Creed

The question

Is there a reason that the Creed is written in the order of God, Christ, and Holy Spirit? If they are all equal, why is it written in this order?

Also in the Creed, we say, "One God, God the Father" and when we speak about Christ we say, "One Lord, Jesus Christ". Why do we say, “One Lord” instead of saying, “One God”, like we say about the Father? And for the Holy Spirit, we say, "Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, The Lord, the Life Giver". We also say, “Lord” in this, but not "God" like we make reference for the Father. Is there a reason why we distinguish like this?

The answer

The Creed followed the order that was used by the Lord when He commissioned His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This does not mean there is any difference in equality.

This order also follows the style of St. Paul who used the word, "God" to refer to the Father, and "Lord" to refer to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. This does not diminish nor imply any disqualification among the Holy Trinity in any way.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

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