“Legacy of the Council of Nicaea on its 1700th Anniversary“ Webinar Panel Discussion

With the blessing and under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, join the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Academia Symposium Committee who will present a webinar panel discussion: “The Legacy of the Council of Nicaea on its 1700th Anniversary“ Webinar Panel Discussion on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 2 P.M. EST/ 7 P.M. London/ 9 P.M. Athens EEST. Lou Katsos a member of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Academia Symposium Committee and EMBCA’s President will be moderating this discussion. The distinguished panel will include Prof. Massimiliano Proietti of the University of Bologna; Prof. Samuel Fernandez of the Pontifical Catholic University; Prof. Christopher Markschies Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften President; and Archon Peter Stavrianidis, PhD.

Although convened nearly 1,700 years ago, the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) remains profoundly relevant to contemporary Christianity and warrants serious reflection. As the first ecumenical council in Christian history, Nicaea addressed urgent theological disputes and established lasting principles for how the Church defines doctrine, fosters unity, and responds to internal and external challenges.

The Council’s most enduring legacy is the Nicene Creed, a foundational declaration of faith affirmed by Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and many Protestant traditions. It clarified essential Christian beliefs, particularly the full divinity of Christ, by affirming that Jesus is “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.” In today’s pluralistic and often relativistic context, the creed continues to serve as a unifying anchor of belief and identity across the Christian world.

Called by Emperor Constantine to resolve the theological conflict caused by the Arian controversy it brought together between 250 and 318 bishops from across the Roman Empire, the Council of Nicaea also modeled conciliar governance, affirming the Church’s capacity to seek truth and unity through dialogue and collective discernment. That model remains deeply relevant today as Christian communities navigate complex theological, ethical, and social issues.

Modern ecumenical efforts often return to the Nicene Creed as common ground, offering a shared starting point for dialogue between Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions. In a fragmented Christian landscape, the clarity and authority of Nicene theology encourage renewed focus on core beliefs over secondary differences.

Nicaea also marked a turning point in the relationship between Church and state. Supported by Emperor Constantine, the Council introduced a dynamic in which secular power intersected with ecclesiastical decision making a relationship still debated today, particularly regarding religious freedom, public morality, and political engagement.

In addition to its theological pronouncements, the Council made several important disciplinary decisions:

Easter Date: It established a unified celebration of Easter to promote liturgical consistency.
Ecclesiastical Canons: Twenty canons were issued.
Recognition of Major Sees.

These rulings reflected the Council’s dual emphasis on theological clarity and ecclesial order—principles that continue to shape Church governance today.

Join us as we discuss this very important Ecumenical Council and its significance in contemporary society.

The East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance/ EMBCA is honored to host this Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Academia Symposium Committee event.