Conference Marking the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea Concludes at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
12.09.2025
From September 3 to 7, with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the interchurch conference entitled “Living the Creed Today: Commemorating the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea” was held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Organized by the Interchurch Relations Department of the Mother See, the conference brought together representatives of the Armenian Church’s hierarchical Sees—the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, the Armenian Patriarchates of Constantinople and Jerusalem—as well as representatives of sister churches, various Christian denominations, and interchurch organizations.
The gathering addressed the spiritual, pastoral, and contemporary aspects of the Nicene legacy, issues related to Christian unity, and the challenges facing the Church today.
During the sessions, representatives of Christian churches and interchurch organizations expressed concern over the difficult situation in Armenia and worldwide. Particular attention was drawn to the forced displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh, the continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war in Baku, and the destruction and appropriation of Artsakh’s Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage.
The assembly reaffirmed the Church’s unshakable mission as a source of hope and healing, and as a means of reconciliation and solidarity for all peoples and nations who stand before suffering and trials.
Special attention was also given to the opportunities presented by digital technologies for enhancing the effectiveness of spiritual service, preaching, and education, while also drawing attention to the dangers they pose. At the same time, participants emphasized that the spirit of Nicaea—with its imperative of unity and fidelity to the Gospel—can even today inspire Christians to face present challenges with confidence and hope in an increasingly secularized world.
The conference participants reaffirmed their commitment, in Christian love and with a shared vision to strive together for the establishment of peace, justice, and harmony among nations and peoples.
Participants also took part in pilgrimages to various holy sites in Armenia.
On September 6, the Feast of the 318 Fathers of the Council of Nicaea, the assembly members participated in the Sunday Evening Service in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. On this occasion, the relic of the Right Hand of St. Aristakes the Patriarch—who represented the Armenian Church at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—was brought out for veneration.
