Discover the profound impact of the seven ecumenical councils on Orthodox doctrine and practice. These landmark gatherings, spanning from 325 to 787 AD, united church leaders to address pressing theological controversies and establish essential tenets of the faith. From affirming Christ’s divinity at Nicaea to upholding iconography at Nicaea II, the councils played a pivotal role in shaping Orthodox doctrine that endures to this day. Delve into the intriguing history and far-reaching influence of these monumental councils that defined the trajectory of Christianity for centuries to come.
First Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
The First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD, was a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. The primary issue addressed at the council was the Arian controversy, which centered on the nature of Christ’s divinity. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was a created being and not fully divine, while his opponent, Bishop Alexander, maintained that Jesus was eternally begotten of the Father and shared the same divine essence.
The council, attended by over 300 bishops from across the Christian world, firmly rejected Arianism and affirmed the full divinity of Christ. This decision was enshrined in the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that declared Jesus to be “true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.” The creed became a cornerstone of Orthodox theology and is still recited in liturgical worship today.
In addition to resolving the Arian controversy, the Council of Nicaea also addressed matters of church governance and discipline. It established the principle of episcopal authority, affirming the role of bishops as successors to the apostles and guardians of the faith. The council also set guidelines for the date of Easter and dealt with the readmission of lapsed Christians who had denied their faith during times of persecution.
The First Council of Nicaea marked a significant step in the development of Christian doctrine and laid the foundation for future ecumenical councils. Its decisions, particularly the Nicene Creed, continue to shape Orthodox belief and practice, emphasizing the central importance of Christ’s divinity and the unity of the Godhead.
First Council of Constantinople (381 AD)
The First Council of Constantinople, held in 381 AD, was a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church. This council reaffirmed the Nicene Creed, which had been established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and addressed two significant heresies that threatened the orthodox understanding of Christ’s nature and the Holy Spirit.
The council dealt with the Apollinarian heresy, which claimed that Christ had a human body but not a human mind or soul, and that the divine Logos had taken the place of his human mind. The council rejected this view, affirming that Christ was fully human and fully divine, possessing both a human body and a rational human soul.
Additionally, the council addressed the Macedonian heresy, also known as Pneumatomachianism, which denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit. The Macedonians argued that the Holy Spirit was a created being, subordinate to the Father and the Son. The council firmly rejected this notion, declaring that the Holy Spirit is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, and is to be worshipped and glorified along with them.
The First Council of Constantinople expanded the Nicene Creed to include a more detailed statement on the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His divinity and procession from the Father. This updated creed, known as the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, became the definitive statement of faith for the Orthodox Church and is still recited in liturgical services today.
Council of Ephesus (431 AD)
The Council of Ephesus, held in 431 AD, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Orthodox Church, as it affirmed the true nature of Jesus Christ and condemned the heretical teachings of Nestorianism. The council, attended by over 200 bishops, was convened to address the controversy surrounding Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, who taught that Christ had two distinct natures, divine and human, and that Mary should not be referred to as the “Theotokos” or “God-bearer.”
The council, led by St. Cyril of Alexandria, firmly rejected Nestorius’ teachings and affirmed that Christ is one person with two natures, fully divine and fully human, united without confusion or division. This doctrine, known as the hypostatic union, became a cornerstone of Orthodox Christology. The council also upheld the title of “Theotokos” for the Virgin Mary, recognizing her important role in the incarnation of Christ.
The Council of Ephesus not only clarified the Orthodox understanding of Christ’s nature but also demonstrated the unity and authority of the Church in the face of heretical teachings. The council’s decisions were widely accepted by the Church and helped to prevent further divisions over the nature of Christ. Today, the Orthodox Church continues to celebrate the Council of Ephesus as a triumph of true faith and a testament to the unwavering commitment to preserving the authentic teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)
The Council of Chalcedon, convened in 451 AD, addressed the nature of Christ and clarified the Orthodox understanding of His divine and human natures. The council affirmed that Christ is one Person with two natures, fully divine and fully human, united without confusion, change, division, or separation. This definition upheld the teachings of the previous ecumenical councils and rejected the heresy of monophysitism, which claimed that Christ had only one nature, a divine nature that absorbed or overwhelmed His humanity.
The Chalcedonian Definition emphasized that Christ’s two natures are distinct yet inseparable, maintaining their unique properties while being united in one Person. This understanding preserves the fullness of Christ’s divinity and humanity, ensuring that He is truly God and truly man, able to reconcile humanity with God. The council also reaffirmed the title “Theotokos” (God-bearer) for the Virgin Mary, underscoring Christ’s unity as both divine and human from the moment of His incarnation.
The Council of Chalcedon’s clear articulation of Christ’s two natures has remained a cornerstone of Orthodox Christology, guiding the faithful in their understanding of the Incarnation and its significance for salvation. By upholding the integrity of Christ’s divinity and humanity, the council safeguarded the true meaning of His life, death, and resurrection, which are essential for the redemption and deification of humanity in Him.
Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD)
The Second Council of Constantinople, held in 553 AD, was convened to address the Three Chapters controversy, which involved the writings of three theologians – Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrus, and Ibas of Edessa. These writings were seen as sympathetic to Nestorianism, a heresy that emphasized the separation of Christ’s divine and human natures. The council condemned the Three Chapters and reaffirmed the Chalcedonian definition of Christ as one person with two natures, divine and human, united without confusion, change, division, or separation.
By rejecting the Three Chapters, the council sought to maintain the unity of the church and uphold the orthodox understanding of Christ’s nature. It also aimed to reconcile the differences between the Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian churches, particularly the Monophysites who believed in Christ’s single, divine nature. The council’s decision helped to clarify and strengthen the Chalcedonian Christology, which remains a fundamental doctrine in the Orthodox Church today.
The Second Council of Constantinople is recognized as the fifth ecumenical council by the Orthodox Church, and its teachings are celebrated on the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Six Councils. This council’s affirmation of Chalcedonian Christology demonstrates the church’s commitment to preserving the true faith and maintaining unity in the face of theological challenges.
Third Council of Constantinople (680-681 AD)
The Third Council of Constantinople, held from 680 to 681 AD, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Church. This council addressed the controversial doctrine of monothelitism, which claimed that Jesus Christ had only one will, despite having both divine and human natures. The council firmly condemned this belief, affirming that Christ possesses two distinct wills – one divine and one human – in accordance with His two natures.
The council declared that these two wills operate in perfect harmony, without confusion or division. Christ’s human will freely submits to and cooperates with His divine will, exemplifying the perfect unity of His person. This understanding safeguards the fullness of Christ’s humanity and divinity, as well as the voluntary nature of His salvific work.
By rejecting monothelitism and upholding the orthodox teaching of Christ’s two wills, the Third Council of Constantinople reaffirmed the Chalcedonian definition of faith. This decision emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of Christ’s natures and the authenticity of His incarnation. The council’s clear articulation of this doctrine helped to guide the faithful in their understanding of Christ and His saving work.
The Third Council of Constantinople stands as a testament to the Church’s commitment to upholding the true faith, even in the face of challenging theological controversies. Its teachings continue to shape Orthodox Christian belief and practice, reminding believers of the profound mystery of Christ’s person and the unity of His divine and human wills in the work of our salvation.
Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD)
The Second Council of Nicaea, convened in 787 AD, brought an end to the iconoclast controversy that had divided the Church for decades. This council affirmed the veneration of icons as a legitimate expression of Christian faith and devotion. The council fathers distinguished between the worship due to God alone (latria) and the veneration (proskynesis) given to icons, which honor the person represented in the image.
The council declared that icons serve as visual reminders of Christ’s incarnation and the lives of the saints, helping the faithful to grow in their spiritual journey. By venerating icons, Christians express their love and respect for Christ and His saints, without confusing the image with the divine reality it represents.
The council also emphasized the educational value of icons, recognizing their ability to communicate the truths of the faith to the illiterate and to inspire devotion among all believers. The fathers cited the long-standing tradition of icon veneration in the Church, tracing its roots back to the earliest Christian communities. You can explore how these rich traditions continue to influence practices today by discovering the global impact of the Bible.
The Second Council of Nicaea’s defense of icon veneration had far-reaching consequences for Orthodox theology and practice. It affirmed the importance of matter in the Christian life, recognizing that physical elements, such as icons, can be vehicles of divine grace. The council’s teachings also highlighted the unity between the material and spiritual realms, a key aspect of Orthodox spirituality.
By resolving the iconoclast controversy, the Second Council of Nicaea helped to preserve the rich tradition of Christian art and ensured its central place in Orthodox worship and devotion.
Conclusion
The seven ecumenical councils have had a profound and enduring impact on Orthodox theology and spirituality. These councils, guided by the Holy Spirit, clarified and affirmed essential doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the nature of Christ, the Holy Trinity, and the veneration of icons. By addressing heresies and establishing orthodox beliefs, the councils played a crucial role in preserving apostolic faith and ensuring its transmission to future generations.
The decisions made at these councils continue to shape Orthodox worship, liturgy, and spiritual practices to this day. They provide a solid foundation for Orthodox Christians to grow in their understanding of God and deepen their relationship with Him. As Orthodox believers stand firm in the teachings affirmed by the seven ecumenical councils, they unite with the Church Fathers and Saints in proclaiming the timeless truths of the Christian faith. Through adherence to these conciliar decisions, the Orthodox Church maintains its commitment to preserving the authentic teachings of Christ and the apostles, offering a beacon of truth and stability in an ever-changing world.