Archdiocese of Bangalore Commemorates 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Bangalore 13th Oct 2025: The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the history of Christianity, the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD. It was at this historic council that the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith, was first formulated. To honour this momentous occasion and to deepen the faithful’s understanding of its lasting theological and spiritual relevance, the Commission for Theology and Doctrine of the Archdiocese of Bangalore organised a one-day seminar on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Paalanaa Bhavan, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre.

This special seminar drew together a vibrant community of priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and lay leaders engaged in catechesis and faith formation from across the Archdiocese, for a day of learning, reflection, and renewed commitment to the faith we profess.

The seminar, titled “Called to Profess and Called to Witness: An Exploration of the Nicene Creed and its Relevance Today,” focused on both the historical foundations and the modern-day implications of the Nicene Creed in the life of the Church.

The event was formally inaugurated by Auxiliary Bishop Arokiaraj Sathis Kumar of Bangalore and Episcopal in-charge of the Theology and Doctrine Commission. In his inspiring keynote, he invited all participants to: “Know the Creed, live the Creed, and share the Creed,” underscoring the active role of every Christian in safeguarding and transmitting the faith.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Susainathan of Bangalore, delivered the inaugural message, beautifully expressing the Creed’s impact: “A Creed unites us, a Creed forms us, a Creed calls us to profess and to witness.”

Scholarly Sessions

Two insightful sessions were held during the day, moderated by Fr. Sunil Kumar D’Souza and Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph.

In the first session, Fr. Adrian Mascarenhas explored the historical and theological dimensions of the Nicene Creed. He traced its development during the early ecumenical councils, highlighting its doctrinal significance in affirming the divinity of Christ and the unity of the Trinity.

The second session, led by Fr. Jude Nirmal Doss, examined the contemporary relevance of the Nicene Creed, emphasising its continued role in shaping personal faith and community identity in today’s pluralistic and often secular world.

To ensure inclusivity, Fr. Cyril Victor presented a synthesis in Kannada, and Fr. Jude Nirmal Doss offered a summary in Tamil, making the content accessible to a linguistically diverse audience.

The day concluded with a powerful address by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore. He reminded the gathering of the essential pillars of the Christian faith: “We need to remember: Trinity, Unity, and Christianity.” His words echoed the spirit of Nicaea and called the Church in Bangalore to remain rooted in this creed that continues to guide Christian identity and mission.

Conclusion

As the universal Church marks 1700 years since the First Council of Nicaea, the Archdiocese of Bangalore’s seminar stands as a timely and meaningful tribute to a defining moment in Christian history. The event was not only a scholarly exploration but a spiritual renewal, reminding all participants that the Nicene Creed is more than a formula; it is a living proclamation of faith, unity, and witness.

Through this seminar, the Commission for Theology and Doctrine has reaffirmed the archdiocese’s commitment to deepening theological understanding and equipping the faithful to profess boldly, live authentically, and witness courageously to the truths we proclaim every time we say: “I believe.”

Fr. Vivek Lionel Basu

Secretary

Commission for Theology & Doctrine

Archdiocese of Bangalore