On May 20, 2025, the Christian community will mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in 325 AD. This pivotal assembly is renowned for formulating the Nicene Creed, a foundational declaration that unites believers in the affirmation of salvation through Jesus Christ and the belief in the One God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Nicene Creed, later refined at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, has served as a definitive statement of Christian faith, effectively becoming the Church's "identity card." In recognition of its profound significance, the International Theological Commission (ITC) has released a comprehensive document titled "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour: 1700th Anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025)." This nearly seventy-page publication aims to revisit the council's fundamental contributions and to highlight the enduring relevance of the Creed in contemporary evangelization efforts.

The First Council of Nicaea was convened by Emperor Constantine in response to doctrinal controversies that threatened the unity of the early Church. The resulting Creed articulated key theological tenets, emphasizing the divinity of Jesus Christ and His consubstantiality with the Father. These declarations were instrumental in addressing the Arian controversy and in establishing a unified Christian doctrine.

As the Church prepares to celebrate this historic milestone, the ITC's document serves as both a scholarly reflection and a call to rediscover the Nicene Creed's rich theological heritage. It underscores the Creed's role in shaping Christian identity and its potential to inspire renewed commitment to the faith in today's world.