Archdiocese of Bangalore Commemorates 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea with Theological Seminar

Bangalore, October 11, 2025 – In a profound gesture of remembrance and reflection, the Archdiocese of Bangalore, through its Commission for Theology and Doctrine, organised a one-day theological seminar on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Paalanaa Bhavan, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. The event marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the formulation of the Nicene Creed, an enduring symbol of Christian unity and faith.

The seminar, titled “Called to Profess and Called to Witness: An Exploration of the Nicene Creed and its Relevance Today,” gathered priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and lay faithful, particularly those involved in faith formation across parishes, into a space of shared learning and spiritual deepening.

Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Messages

The seminar was inaugurated by Most Rev. Arokia

raj Sathis Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore and Episcopal in-charge of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine. In his keynote address, he emphasised the theme: "Let us know the Creed, live the Creed, and share the Creed," encouraging participants to not only understand the theological richness of the Nicene Creed but also to embody and witness to it in their daily lives.

Most Rev. Dr Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, delivered the inaugural message, reflecting on the unifying and formative power of the Creed: “A Creed unites us, a Creed forms us, a Creed calls us to profess and to witness.” His words set the tone for the day’s reflective and scholarly engagement.

Sessions and Discussions

The seminar featured two main sessions moderated by Rev. Dr Sunil Kumar D’Souza and Rev. Dr Cyril Victor Joseph, who guided the discourse and interaction.

The first session, led by Rev. Dr Adrian Mascarenhas, explored the historical and theological foundations of the Nicene Creed. His presentation traced the origins of the Creed, contextualising it within the early Church’s struggle for doctrinal clarity, and highlighted its enduring theological significance.

The second session was presented by Rev. Dr Jude Nirmal Doss, who delved into the contemporary relevance of the Nicene Creed in the faith journey of believers today. His insights connected ancient formulations of faith with present-day challenges and opportunities for Christian witness.

To further facilitate understanding across linguistic groups, the seminar included syntheses in local languages. Rev. Dr Cyril Victor offered a synthesis in Kannada. At the same time, Rev. Dr Jude Nirmal Doss provided a summary in Tamil, ensuring the message of the Creed resonated with a broader audience.

Conclusion and Reflections

The seminar concluded with a final address by Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore. In his message, he called on all present to remember the core tenets of the Christian faith: “Trinity, Unity, and Christianity.” He emphasised that the Nicene Creed is not merely a statement of belief, but a call to communion, identity, and mission in the world.

This commemorative seminar not only paid tribute to a pivotal moment in the history of the Church but also invited the faithful to renew their understanding and commitment to the Nicene Creed. As the Church marks 1700 years since Nicaea, the Archdiocese of Bangalore’s initiative stands as a timely reminder that faith is both inherited and professed, rooted in history, yet dynamically lived in the present.

Fr. Vivek Lionel Basu

Secretary

Commission for Theology & Doctrine

Archdiocese of Bangalore