Holy Spirit

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Third person of the Christian Trinity, with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus); also known as the Holy Ghost or the Paraclete (Greek ‘comforter’), and usually depicted as a white dove.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is shown as the life-giving breath of God. In the New Testament, Christians believe that the work of Jesus made it possible for the birth of the Holy Spirit within human beings, and that the Holy Spirit is life-giving – God working in the world.

At Jesus' baptism, John the Baptist commented that while he baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Christians believe that when this happens it brings believers into new life, and affirm their belief in the Holy Spirit when saying the Nicene Creed.

White, blue, and red became known as the pan-Slavic colours, influencing many other Eastern European flags. White, blue, and red are also the colours of the arms of the Duchy of Moscow. Effective date: 11 December 1993. >>