International Theological Conference, 13-17 May 2025: Celebrating 1700 Years Since the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Between 13-17 May 2025 the Romanian Orthodox Church, through Rev. Prof. Dr. Sorin Șelaru, the Director of the Permanent Office of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions,  in collaboration with the Faculty of Orthodox Theology “Justinian the Patriarch,” University of Bucharest, and the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs, hosted a major international theological event dedicated to one of the anniversary of 1700 years since one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history: the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325). Under the theme “The First Ecumenical Council of Nicea (325): The Orthodox Faith - Foundation of Church Unity”, the International Conference gathered scholars, theologians, clergy, historians, and church leaders from across the world to reflect on the theological, historical, and ecclesial legacy of the Nicene Council.

The symposium opened in solemnity on May 14, with a festive session at the Palace of the Patriarchate. The opening address was delivered by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, who emphasised the contemporary relevance of the Nicene Creed as a unifying confession of faith in times of fragmentation and theological confusion. Over the course of seven academic sessions, the conference facilitated fruitful and though-provoking intellectual exchange about the First Ecumenical Council approached from various perspectives and research interests.

Therefore, the International Theological Conference not only celebrated the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council but reaffirmed the centrality of the Nicene Creed as the bedrock of Orthodox identity and as a bridge in ecumenical dialogue.

Foto credit: Basilica.ro