To mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Vatican’s International Theological Commission has released a new document titled Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior: The 1700th Anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325–2025). The publication examines the historical and theological significance of the first ecumenical council and reflects on the continued relevance of its teachings in today’s world.

The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 CE in Asia Minor, was a foundational event in Christian history. It brought together bishops from across the Roman Empire and produced what would become the Nicene Creed—a statement of faith that remains central to many Christian denominations. The document from the Commission explores how this creed, completed at the First Council of Constantinople in 381, has shaped Christian belief over the centuries and continues to offer guidance today.

According to the Commission, the new text aims to serve both as a historical reflection and as a resource for contemporary faith and practice. It is intended not only for theologians but also for clergy and laypeople. The document considers how the Nicene affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God offers insights into themes such as divine love, human dignity, and the potential for unity across cultures and communities. It also connects the council’s emphasis on shared belief to the Catholic Church’s ongoing synodal process, which stresses collective discernment and mutual responsibility.

Published in several languages—including French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish—the document outlines how the creed can help guide Christians facing present-day challenges, including social change, cultural shifts, and global conflict. It presents the Nicene faith as a foundation for dialogue and cooperation, rooted in the belief in a relational and life-giving God.

To support the wider discussion of the document, the International Theological Commission will host a Study Day on 20 May 2025—the anniversary of the Council’s opening—at the “Saint John Paul II” Auditorium of the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. The event is open to participants and aims to explore the continuing significance of the Council of Nicaea and its legacy.

Top Image: The oldest extant manuscript of the Nicene Creed, dated to the 6th century – Wikimedia Commons