Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
The Creed is a "symbol of faith" stating, in summary, what we believe as Christians. We recite it together during the divine services to show that we are united in heart and mind in our beliefs about God. Almost all the statements are Scriptural.
The Creed was written at the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD at Nicaea and completed in the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 AD at Constantinople. This is from where the title ‘Nicene-Constantinopolitan’ originates. Being initially a response to those who sought to corrupt the faith, it was agreed to never change, and it remains unchanged in the Orthodox Tradition.
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made; of one essence with the Father; through Him all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And rose on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; and His kingdom will have no end; And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceeds from the Father; Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke through the Prophets. And in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.
Icon of the 1st Ecumenical Council
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