Definition

Proper noun 1. A significant early Christian council: The First Council of Nicaea was a major assembly of bishops convened in 325 AD by the Roman Emperor Constantine I. It is recognized as the first ecumenical (worldwide) council of the Christian Church. 2. A defining event for Christian doctrine: This council produced the original wording of the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief, and formally condemned the theological teachings of Arius, known as Arianism.

Usage Examples

• As a subject:
  • The First Council of Nicaea was convened to address a dispute over the nature of Christ.
• As an object:
  • Church historians study the proceedings of the First Council of Nicaea.
• In prepositional phrases:
  • The decisions made at the First Council of Nicaea shaped Christian theology for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• Historical reference: The term is used to denote a pivotal moment in the establishment of orthodox Christian doctrine and the relationship between church and imperial authority.
  • The authority of the emperor was clearly demonstrated in his convening of the First Council of Nicaea.

Variants and Related Words

• Council of Nicaea: A common shortened form.
• Nicene Council: Another synonymous term.
• Nicene Creed (noun): The formal statement of Christian faith formulated at this council.
• Arianism (noun): The heresy condemned by the council, which denied the full divinity of Christ.

Synonyms

• The Council of Nicaea
• The Nicene Council

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Ecumenical council: A worldwide council of bishops; the First Council of Nicaea is the first of these.
• Convened by Constantine: A phrase often associated with the council, describing its imperial convener.
• Defined orthodoxy: A phrase describing the council's primary role in establishing official doctrine.

Noun

1. the first ecumenical council in 325 which produced the wording of the Nicene Creed and condemned the heresy of Arianism