The answer
Yes, the Holy Spirit works in unbelievers so that they may believe. How else would they believe if the Holy Spirit does not work in them?!
Holy Scripture says, “[N]o man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3). The story of the baptism of Cornelius (unbeliever) supports this (Acts 10:44-45).
An Important Note:
The work of the Holy Spirit for Faith is one thing, and His permanent dwelling in the believer is another. The Holy Spirit can work in the heart of an unbelieving person in order to call him to the Faith, or to perform a miracle for him, or a miracle that would be a means to his believing. However, after he believes, he must be baptised and receive the anointing of the Holy Myron in order for the Holy Spirit to work, and dwell in him permanently.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 136.
The page in the book (136)
