History of Early Ecumenical Councils

Sep 22, 2024

Notes on Early Ecumenical Councils and Nicene Orthodoxy

Constantine and the Council of Nicaea

  • Year 325: First Roman Emperor to become Christian, Constantine, convened the first ecumenical council in Nicaea.
  • Purpose: To bring unity to a theologically divided church.
  • Key Results:
    • Condemnation of Arianism as heresy.
    • Establishment of the Nicene Creed.
  • Aftermath: Continued division between Arian and Nicene parties.

Theodosius and Nicene Orthodoxy

  • Year 379: Theodosius the Great became Roman Emperor, supporting Nicene Creed.
  • Contributors to Nicene Creed Acceptance:
    • Athanasius of Alexandria and Cappadocian Fathers (Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa).
    • Gregory of Nazianzus’s influential preaching in Constantinople.

Council of Constantinople (381)

  • Convened by: Emperor Theodosius.
  • Purpose: Strengthen Nicene Orthodoxy, address political and theological rivalries.
  • Attendees: 150 bishops from Eastern churches.

Key Events and Outcomes

  • Removal of Arian Influence: Theodosius outlawed Arian congregations and removed Arian bishop Demophilus.
  • Gregory of Nazianzus: Initially elected as Bishop of Constantinople, faced opposition, retired from position.
  • Nectarius: Surprised many by becoming council president after being baptized and ordained.

Heresies Addressed

  • Seven Heretical Groups:
    1. Eunomians/Eudoxians - denied Jesus's divine substance.
    2. Semi-Arians/Macedonians/Numatomache - denied Holy Spirit's divinity.
    3. Sabellians - modalism.
    4. Marcellians - viewed Logos as impersonal divine power.
    5. Photinians - Jesus as mere human.
    6. Apollinarians - compromised Christ's humanity.

Canons and Church Hierarchy

  • Second Canon: Bishops to stay within diocesan boundaries; forbade translation between locations.
  • Third Canon: Prioritized Bishop of Constantinople after Bishop of Rome.

Recognition and Legacy

  • Council's Status: Initially regional, later recognized as ecumenical due to widespread acceptance of creed and rejection of heresies.

Next Steps

  • Upcoming Video: Exploration of the Nicene Creed's evolution and its significance.

Conclusion

  • Theology Academy: Encourages subscription and engagement for more insights into theology and religious studies.