The First Ecumenical Council of Nicea: Volume I, Book 2

The First Council of Nicea marked the inaugural Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church, convened in 325 AD amidst the doctrinal disputes sparked by Arius and his teachings, known as Arianism. The origins of this theological conflict can be traced back to around 320 or 321 AD, when Saint Alexander, the Bishop of Alexandria, gathered over one hundred bishops from Egypt and Libya for a council in Alexandria. Here, Arius was formally denounced and excommunicated due to his teachings, which questioned the divinity of Christ.

Despite his condemnation, Arius persisted in spreading his beliefs and continued to gain followers. After being expelled from Alexandria, he sought refuge first in Palestine and later in Nicomedia. During this period, Saint Alexander circulated his "Epistola encyclica," a letter outlining orthodox Christian doctrine, to which Arius responded. These exchanges only escalated the theological dispute beyond local control.

Historical accounts, including that of Sozomen, mention a Council of Bithynia issuing an encyclical to all bishops, urging them to reconcile with the Arians and integrate them back into the Church's communion. This discord coincided with the broader political turmoil of the time, including the conflict between Emperor Constantine and Licinius, which further fueled unrest and contributed to the spread of religious dissent from 322 to 323 AD.

Following his victory over Licinius and ascension as the sole emperor, Constantine turned his attention to restoring both civil order and religious harmony. He corresponded with Saint Alexander and Arius, admonishing them to cease their theological disputes over what he deemed trivial matters of doctrine. At this juncture, Constantine, advised by his religious advisor Hosius of Cordova, failed to achieve reconciliation through correspondence alone.

Recognizing the futility of his efforts, Constantine, potentially influenced by Hosius, decided that only an ecumenical council could resolve the deepening divisions within the Church. This decision underscored his evolving understanding of the significance of the Arian controversy and his commitment to restoring unity and stability.

In 325 AD, Constantine convened the First Council of Nicea, summoning bishops from across the Roman Empire to address the theological issues at hand. This council not only marked a significant milestone in Christian history but also set a precedent for future ecumenical gatherings aimed at doctrinal unity and resolution of theological disputes within the Church.

The Council of Nicea ultimately resulted in the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the divinity of Christ and countered the teachings of Arius. Despite initial disagreements and ongoing theological debates in subsequent centuries, the Nicene Creed remains a cornerstone of Christian belief, illustrating the enduring legacy and impact of the First Council of Nicea on the development of Christian theology and doctrine.

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