These two Cappadocian Fathers, from the fourth century, were also monks, and St Basil wrote a Rule which is still followed by Eastern monks. St Basil also wrote a treatise on the Holy Spirit, and there is a short extract: ‘Let us now investigate what are our common conceptions concerning the Spirit, as well those which have been gathered by us from Holy Scripture concerning It as those which we have received from the unwritten tradition of the Fathers. First of all we ask, who on hearing the titles of the Spirit is not lifted up in soul, who does not raise his conception to the supreme nature? It is called Spirit of God, Spirit of truth which proceeds from the Father, right Spirit, a leading Spirit. Its proper and peculiar title is Holy Spirit, which is a name specially appropriate to everything that is incorporeal, purely immaterial, and indivisible …’

As we struggle to find words for what is inexpressible, let us ask the prayers of St Basil and Gregory, who each strove to find words for the mystery that is God.

May they pray for us, and may God bless you.