Crēdo
The Nicene Creed
Council of Nicaea (325 AD) | Constantinople (381 AD)
The confession of faith from the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, defining orthodox Christian belief about the Trinity and nature of Christ.
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
Historical Significance
The Nicene Creed was formulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and expanded at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. It was created to address specific theological controversies and provide a clear statement of orthodox Christian belief.
This creed is especially significant for its precise language about the nature of Christ and the Trinity. It affirms that Jesus is "of one Being with the Father," establishing the orthodox understanding of Christ's full divinity.