About

The council was called by Emperor Constantine I to settle the Arian controversy, a theological dispute concerning the nature of Jesus Christ. The main objective of the council was to establish a consensus on basic Christian doctrines, particularly the divinity of Christ and the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. The council resulted in the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which stated that Jesus Christ was "begotten, not made" and was of the same essence as God the Father. This creed served as a foundational statement of faith for orthodox Christianity for centuries to come. The council also addressed other matters, such as the dating of Easter, the role of the bishops, and the condemnation of the Meletian schism. The council was attended by nearly 300 bishops, making it one of the largest gatherings of church leaders in early Christian history. Constantine, who presided over the council, had a vested interest in resolving the Arian dispute as it was causing tension within the empire, threatening its unity. The council's decisions were greatly influenced by the intervention of the emperor, who played an active role in the proceedings. The First Council of Nicaea marked a significant moment in Christian history, as it helped solidify the theological concepts that would form the foundation of orthodox Christianity. It also set a precedent for subsequent ecumenical councils that would be held in the following centuries. The council's decisions were initially met with controversy and opposition, but they eventually became widely accepted within the Christian Church. The Nicene Creed continues to be recited today in various Christian denominations, highlighting the enduring importance of the First Council of Nicaea.