From Nicaea to Icons: The Story of the Seven Ecumenical Councils

Seven councils. Nearly five centuries. One faith handed down by the Apostles.

Between 325 and 787, the Holy Fathers gathered to defend the mysteries at the heart of Christianity. They proclaimed the divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit, upheld Mary’s title as Theotokos—Mother of God—and confessed Jesus Christ as one Person, fully divine and fully human, with both a divine and a human will.

At the Seventh Ecumenical Council, the Fathers defended the veneration of holy icons: honour given to an image passes to the person depicted, while worship belongs to God alone.

These councils were more than debates. They safeguarded the truth of our salvation: God truly became human so that we might share in His divine life. Their witness lives on in our Creed, our worship and the sacred images that draw our hearts towards heaven.

Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, pray to God for us!