First Ecumenical Council

Council of Nicea
RELATED TOPICS	Nicene Creed Arianism Trinity
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS
CONTENTS

The First Council of Nicaea took place in 325 AD and is known as the First Ecumenical Council (from the Greek oikumene meaning "worldwide"). The council dealt with the problems raised by the Arian controversy, concerning the nature of Jesus, deciding against the Arians in favor of the doctrine of the Trinity.

The council took place during the reign of the emperor Constantine and was the first ecumenical conference of bishops of the Christian Church.

The participating bishops were given free travel to and from their episcopal sees to the council, as well as lodging.

The council, also called a synod, dealt with the problems raised by the Arian controversy, concerning the nature of Jesus, deciding against the Arians in favor of the doctrine of the Trinity. The heresy of Arianism was causing intense controversy, and Constantine wanted to bring about peace. Essentially, the followers of Arius said that Christ was created by God the Father and that "there was a time when he was not."

Another result of the council was an agreement by all the Churches, through the agreement of their bishops, to celebrate Easter on the same day. As by far the most important feast of the Church's life, it was thought important for all to celebrate the Resurrection together.

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