Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The fourth ecumenical council of the Christian Church: A major church council convened in 451 AD in the city of Chalcedon (modern-day Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey). It is historically significant for its doctrinal definition concerning the person of Jesus Christ.

Usage

• The term is used as a proper noun to refer to this specific historical event and its resulting creed.
• It is typically used in historical, theological, and religious studies contexts.
• Example:

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Christological definition produced by the Council of Chalcedon was accepted by many churches.
  • Scholars continue to debate the theological and political implications of the Council of Chalcedon.
  • The decisions made at the Council of Chalcedon led to lasting divisions within Christianity.

Advanced Usage

• "The Chalcedonian Definition": This phrase refers specifically to the formal declaration of the council regarding the dual nature of Christ.
  • The Chalcedonian Definition states that Christ is one person in two natures, "unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably."
• "Chalcedonian Christianity": Refers to those Christian traditions (such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and most Protestant churches) that accept the doctrines defined at this council.
  • The split between Chalcedonian Christianity and non-Chalcedonian churches (like the Oriental Orthodox) persists to this day.

Variants and Related Words

• Chalcedon (n): The ancient city where the council was held.
• Chalcedonian (adj): Pertaining to the Council of Chalcedon or its doctrines.
  • The Chalcedonian formula was a compromise.
• Non-Chalcedonian (adj): Pertaining to Christian churches that did not accept the council's definitions.
  • The Coptic Church is a Non-Chalcedonian tradition.

Synonyms

• The Fourth Ecumenical Council: The formal designation within the historical sequence of early church councils.
• Chalcedon (when contextually clear): A shortened, informal reference to the council itself.

Related Phrases

• "Definition of Chalcedon": A common phrase used to denote the core christological statement of the council.
  • He wrote his thesis on the reception of the Definition of Chalcedon in the 6th century.
• "Council of Chalcedon (451)": The standard academic reference format, including the year.

Noun

1. the fourth ecumenical council in 451 which defined the two natures (human and divine) of Christ