Historical and systematic modern observation concerning the ‘Filioque Addition’

Abstract

"The current ecumenical discussions concerning the proceession of the Holy Spirit cannot advance without a proper understanding of the actual essence of Filioque. The Orthodox perception of this issue is greatly affected by remnants of ancient unionist efforts from before the fall of Byzantium. For example, in the Third Council of Toledo (589) the Spanish Church won the argument with the Arianist Visigoths of Reccared by admitting some participation of the Son in the act of the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father. This particular idea has no counterpart in the historical reality of the Arian controversy."