Principaliter, Aequaliter, Mutualiter?

Abstract

"The paper proposes to interpret the Eastern and Western traditions of Trinitarian Theology in the spirit of an ecumenical ‘hermeneutics of trust’ starting up with the conviction that both traditions share the intention to follow the basic ideas and concepts of the Fathers on their way from Nicea to Constantinople. It shows that Augustine, although teaching that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father as well as from the Son, aims at maintaining the Father’s monarchy, whereas the Eastern tradition, although emphasizing the Spirit’s procession “ek monou tou Patros”, also developed an idea of eternal Trinitarian relations between the Son and the Spirit, e.g. Gregor Kyprios’ conception of the Spirit’s “manifestation (ekphansis)” through the Son."