Seventeen hundred years ago, a group of church leaders from different countries and congregations gathered by a lake in Nicaea (now Iznik, Türkiye) for the first ecumenical council of the church. The Council of Nicaea provided those early Christians with an opportunity to discern essential Christian doctrine related to the Triune God. They wrestled with questions about the person and work of Jesus and the nature of the Holy Spirit. They debated how to articulate the essential expressions of Christian faith. Their work led to the Nicene Creed, still recited by innumerable Christians from different denominations and ecclesial traditions all around the globe.

In 2025, the “one holy catholic and apostolic church” is celebrating the 17th centennial of the Council of Nicaea, and Duke Divinity School is hosting events and providing resources to commemorate this anniversary.

woman preaching in Goodson Chapel

Faculty Preaching Series

Exploring the Creed in Worship

Throughout the year, Duke Divinity School faculty members will preach in Goodson Chapel on sections of the Nicene Creed. Featured preachers include Edgardo Colón-Emeric, Ellen Davis, Warren Smith, Wylin Wilson, Luke Powery, Jerusha Neal, and Prince Raney Rivers.

Trinitarian Matters

A Special Book from Duke Divinity Scholars

In this illuminating collection marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, distinguished scholars and ministry practitioners from Duke Divinity School explore how Trinitarian faith continues to transform Christian identity and practice. Moving beyond abstract formulations, this volume demonstrates the enduring power of Nicene confession to shape faithful witness in today's complex landscape.

Cover of Trinitarian Matters with gold trinity representation
graphic advertising conference

DITA2025: Surprising Encounters in Theology and the Arts

DITA2025 was a four-day symposium at Duke University celebrating Nicaea and the myriad surprises the Creed holds in store for artists, academics, clergy, and parishioners today.

2025 Convocation & Pastors' School

Trinitarian Matters: Shaping Christian Identity and Practice

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Church that met in 325 CE. At Nicaea, early Christians discerned essential Christian doctrine related to the Triune God, Christology, and the Holy Spirit. Join us for presentations and workshops exploring the significance of our Trinitarian doctrine for faithful Christian practice as we commemorate this important milestone. 

Audience for speaker event
Stained Glass window in Westbrook building shows bright colors

Nicaea and Its Legacy Art Tour

Join this tour for a celebration of the Nicene Creed's 1700th anniversary and Duke Divinity School's commitment to orthodox, creedal, and scriptural teaching. Stops are narrated by Duke Divinity School faculty from a variety of departments, disciplines, and programs.

The Council of Nicaea’s Lessons for Today

Reflecting on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric points to how the making of the creed can guide Christians today. Read the article on Faith & Leadership.

A fresco from 1590 depicts the Council of Nicaea.Wikimedia Commons / Giovanni Guerra

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
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.

I 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 adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.