Bangalore Archdiocese Celebrates 1700 Years of Nicene Creed

Bangalore, August 18, 2025: The Archdiocese of Bangalore joined the global Church in a momentous celebration as the faithful gathered on August 17 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in the history of Christian doctrine and unity.

In 325 A.D., under the auspices of Emperor Constantine, bishops from across the Christian world assembled in Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey) to address critical theological challenges threatening the Church’s unity, particularly the Arian controversy, which denied the full divinity of Christ. This historic council gifted the Church one of its most enduring treasures — the Nicene Creed — a solemn and authoritative profession of faith that continues to unite Christians across time and tradition. The Creed, articulating core tenets such as the divinity of Christ, His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit, became a cornerstone of orthodox Christian belief.

To mark this historic milestone in a devout and meaningful manner, the Commission for Theology and Doctrine of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, Most. Rev. Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop, and with the guidance of Most. Rev. Arokiaraj Sathish Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop and Commission In-Charge, along with the dedicated members of the commission, spearheaded the celebration of Creed Sunday. This special observance was celebrated at the diocesan level with profound liturgical solemnity and theological depth across all parishes of the Archdiocese.

1. Liturgy Centred on the Creed

The Holy Eucharist on Creed Sunday was distinctly focused on the Nicene Creed. From the Introductory Rites to the Homily and the Prayers of the Faithful, the liturgy was designed to draw the faithful into a deeper understanding and reverence for the Creed. Parish priests, in their homilies, unpacked the theological richness of the Creed, emphasising its relevance in contemporary Christian life and identity.

Special importance was placed on the recitation of the Creed, not as a routine part of the Mass, but as a prayerful proclamation of personal and communal faith. The faithful were invited to internalise each article of the Creed, reflecting on its historical depth and spiritual significance.

2. Catechesis and Formation

Recognising the importance of theological literacy among the faithful, especially the young, catechism teachers across the Archdiocese used the opportunity to delve into the meaning, structure, and theological content of the Nicene Creed. Sessions were conducted in Sunday catechism classes leading up to Creed Sunday, ensuring that the celebration was both liturgical and formational.

Children and youth were introduced to the background of the Council of Nicaea, the context of the Arian heresy, and the Church’s affirmation of the divinity of Christ. Through engaging activities and creative presentations, they discovered how the Nicene Creed remains a living expression of the Church’s faith.

3. Creative Expressions of Faith at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral

One of the most notable celebrations took place at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, where a creative liturgical presentation brought the event to life. After the homily, children, youth, and volunteers dressed as prominent biblical figures such as Abraham, Prophet Daniel, Prophet Isaiah, Prophet Jeremiah, Esther, and the Roman Centurion came forward to the sanctuary.

These figures, who bore witness to unwavering trust in God, symbolically represented the continuity of faith throughout salvation history. Standing alongside them, the congregation joined in a devout and solemn recitation of the Nicene Creed, reaffirming their own belief in the God of Abraham, the Christ of the Gospels, and the Spirit of the living Church. This powerful gesture served as a reminder that faith is both ancient and ever new — carried by generations of believers who profess the same truths, grounded in the Apostolic tradition.

Creed Sunday 2025 was not merely a commemoration of a historical event, but a living encounter with the enduring truths of the faith. As the Church marks seventeen centuries since the Council of Nicaea, the Archdiocese of Bangalore has taken a meaningful step in reclaiming the Creed as a vital expression of belief, identity, and unity in Christ.

In a world that often questions foundational truths, the celebration served as a powerful witness to the unchanging heart of the Christian proclamation: “We believe…” — words that have echoed through the centuries and continue to form and transform the Church today.

Bangalore Archdiocese Celebrates 1700 Years of Nicene Creed

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