Bangalore: The Archdiocese of Bangalore joined the global Church in commemorating a historic milestone the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) by hosting a one-day theological seminar at Paalanaa Bhavan, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. The event, organised by the Commission for Theology and Doctrine, sought to deepen the understanding of the Nicene Creed, one of the Church’s most profound declarations of faith, and its enduring relevance in contemporary Christian life.
The seminar, titled “Called to Profess and Called to Witness: An Exploration of the Nicene Creed and Its Relevance Today,” brought together priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and lay catechists from across the Archdiocese for a day of learning, reflection, and renewal. It provided a space for intellectual engagement and spiritual growth, reinforcing the unifying essence of the Creed in the life of the Church.
Opening and Inaugural Session
The event commenced with the inauguration by Auxiliary Bishop Arokiaraj Sathis Kumar, Episcopal in-charge of the Theology and Doctrine Commission. In his keynote address, he called upon the faithful to “Know the Creed, live the Creed, and share the Creed,” urging every Christian to become an active custodian and witness of the faith handed down from the Apostles.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Susainathan offered an inspiring inaugural message, reflecting on the Creed’s profound role in Christian unity and mission. “A Creed unites us, a Creed forms us, a Creed calls us to profess and to witness,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the Nicene Creed is both a confession and a call to action for believers today.
Scholarly Insights and Reflection
The seminar featured two major academic sessions, moderated by Fr. Sunil Kumar D’Souza and Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph, which blended theological depth with pastoral application.
In the first session, Fr. Adrian Mascarenhas presented an insightful historical and theological exploration of the Nicene Creed. He traced the evolution of the Creed from the early ecumenical councils, highlighting how it safeguarded the divinity of Christ and the unity of the Trinity, countering early heresies that threatened Christian orthodoxy.
The second session, led by Fr. Jude Nirmal Doss, focused on the contemporary significance of the Creed in a rapidly changing world. He spoke of its role in grounding the Christian identity amid cultural pluralism and secular ideologies, stressing that the Creed remains a timeless compass for moral and spiritual life.
To ensure broader participation, Fr. Cyril Victor summarized the sessions in Kannada, while Fr. Jude Nirmal Doss provided a Tamil translation, reflecting the archdiocese’s inclusive and multilingual character.
Archbishop’s Address and Closing Reflections
The seminar culminated with an address by Archbishop Peter Machado, who captured the spirit of Nicaea in his concluding words: “We need to remember: Trinity, Unity, and Christianity.” He reminded the faithful that the Creed is not merely a doctrinal statement but a living declaration of faith that continues to unite Christians across generations and geographies.
A Living Legacy of Faith
The commemoration of the First Council of Nicaea, 1700 years later, stands as both a tribute and a challenge a tribute to the early Church’s courage in defending truth, and a challenge to today’s believers to live that truth authentically.
Through this seminar, the Commission for Theology and Doctrine of the Archdiocese of Bangalore reaffirmed its mission to foster theological literacy, encourage dialogue, and equip the faithful to profess, live, and witness the faith with conviction.
As the participants concluded the day’s reflection, the Creed once more resounded as a shared proclamation: “I believe in one God…” echoing across centuries, reaffirming that the faith defined at Nicaea continues to illuminate the Church and the world today.