May 20, 2025

This year, we celebrate a significant milestone in the history of the Church—the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. During this pivotal gathering, the bishops of the Church gave us the Nicene Creed, a profession of faith that has been recited by Christians around the world for centuries. Today, we reflect on the origin of the Creed and its continued relevance in our worship and daily lives.

From Nicaea to Today: The Birth of the Creed

The First Council of Nicaea was convened by Emperor Constantine in response to a theological crisis. A priest named Arius had been spreading the belief that Jesus Christ was not fully divine, but a created being. This teaching threatened the unity of the Church, so the Council of Nicaea was called to settle the matter.

The Creed that emerged from this council affirmed the full divinity of Christ, proclaiming Him to be “true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.” This was a decisive moment in the history of the Church, clearly articulating the belief that Jesus is fully divine and equal to the Father. The Nicene Creed, in its final form, also included statements about the Holy Spirit, affirming the Trinity as central to the Christian faith.

Guarding the Truth: The Creed Against Heresy

The Nicene Creed was more than just a theological document; it was a safeguard for the faith. It was a direct response to Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Christ. By clearly affirming the nature of Christ and the Trinity, the Creed protected the Church from error and helped maintain doctrinal unity.

The Creed remains a vital part of the Church’s teachings, rejecting false beliefs and affirming the truth of the Christian message. It is a clear expression of what the Church believes and teaches about God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Creed in Catholic Worship and Catechesis

The Nicene Creed is not just a historical text; it is central to Catholic worship. Every Sunday at Mass, we stand together and profess the Creed, reaffirming our commitment to the faith. This communal recitation connects us with Catholics around the world and throughout history, uniting us in one voice of faith. The Creed is also a cornerstone of Catholic catechesis, used in teaching and guiding new generations of believers.

Living the Creed

The Nicene Creed is not merely a set of doctrinal statements—it is a living profession of faith. Each time we recite it, we are invited to reflect on the mysteries of our salvation. We are reminded of the love of the Father, the saving work of the Son, and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. It is a call to live according to what we believe, to align our lives with the truth of the Gospel.

The Catechism reminds us that the Creed is “the spiritual seal, our heart’s meditation and an ever-present guardian.” As we celebrate 1700 years of the Nicene Creed, let us renew our commitment to this ancient faith and live it out in our daily lives.

A Gift for the Church

The Nicene Creed is a treasure handed down to us by the Church Fathers. It has withstood the test of time, guiding the faithful through centuries of challenges and divisions. As we commemorate this anniversary, let us give thanks for the gift of the Creed and the unity it brings. Let us also commit to living out its truths, so that we may continue to pass on the faith to future generations.

In a world that often seeks division, the Nicene Creed remains a symbol of the unity of the Church, drawing all believers together in one faith, one Lord, and one baptism. May we continue to profess it with joy and gratitude, knowing that it is a living expression of our relationship with the God who has revealed Himself to us in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully expresses the importance of the Creed in the life of the Church: “To say the Credo with faith is to enter into communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and also with the whole Church which transmits the faith to us.”

Let us celebrate 1700 years of the Nicene Creed with hearts full of gratitude, and let it continue to guide us as we seek to live out our Catholic faith.