This page gathers together information and events that are marking the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea in 325 AD.
For a good introduction to the importance of Nicaea listen to World Council of Churches President from Europe Rev Dr Susan Durber. She spoke at the Churches together in England Forum 2025 as she presented 'The First Ecumenical Council - 1700th Anniversary of Nicaea'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CLAMTGxjK4&t=3s
Events:
‘The Creed as Lived Reality: Doctrinal Formula and Spiritual Encounter. Wednesday 15 October 2025 at 7.30pm. Hosted by the Society for Ecumenical Studies. To book your place visit: https://cte.org.uk/sfes-creed-as-lived-reality/
Among many Nicene Creed 1,700th anniversary events, the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order takes place on October 24–28, 2025, in an ancient Coptic Orthodox monastery near Alexandria, Egypt. The World Council of Churches chose the theme “Where now for visible unity?” https://oikoumene.org/events/nicaea-2025#sixth-world-conference-on-faith-and-order
Resources to celebrate Nicaea:
Christian congregations across the UK and Ireland are warmly invited to participate in Remembering Nicaea on Sunday, 5 October 2025 within their own Sunday service, in whatever way they feel is appropriate. For a historical reflection from Rev John Woodside, minister emeritus of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and other resources for children visit https://www.nicaea1700.net/resources/
Books:
The Underwater Basilica of Nicaea: Archaeology in the Birthplace of Christian Theology, by archaeologist Mark R. Fairchild, asks whether a site discovered in 2014 might be where the First Council of Nicaea took place. https://www.ivpress.com/the-underwater-basilica-of-nicaea
The Cambridge Companion to the Council of Nicaea (Cambridge Companions to Religion) by Young Richard Kim has a number of scholarly articles: https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Companion-Council-Companions-Religion/dp/110842774X
Podcasts:
The Calvin Institute for Christian Worship have a trio of podcasts on their 'Public Worship and the Christian Life' celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed: https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/podcasts/jared-ortiz-dramatic-nature-nicene-creed-0
Articles:
Reformed Worship magazine has a number of free articles and resources on the Nicene Creed: https://www.reformedworship.org/resource/nicene-creed
