In 2025, the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325, is celebrated globally. Here is an overview to the commemoration in the Finnish context.
“The Council of Nicaea went down in history because it succeeded in condensing the Christian faith in the Triune God and the miracle of the incarnation of Jesus Christ into a common creed,” says Tomi Karttunen, executive secretary for ecumenical relations and theology.
As part of the celebration the Lutheran Church Council has published his book Nicaea 325. The Legacy of the Undivided Church in the Twenty-first Century (in English)
“In the form of the year 381, the Nicene Creed is still used in Christian churches throughout the world. It is read or sung together in church services and, for example, at baptisms.”“Moreover, it is the only creed used in both Western and Eastern churches. It has been said to provide a preliminary basis for a common understanding of the church,” Karttunen continues.
The Episcopal Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has issued its recommendation on the use of the Nicene Creed during the jubilee year. There is more information about the Council of Nicaea and the Creed on our webpage in Finnish and in Swedish (Nikean kirkolliskokouksen juhlavuosi – EVL Plus). The website also contains information on the use of the creed in ecumenical contexts. During the spring, we will also publish a wide range of material on the site for the use of parishes.
In honor of the centenary of Nicaea, a variety of events will be organized all over Finland: seminars, publications, ecumenical services and the art competition of the Finnish Ecumenical Council for the youth and for young adults.
The main event of the anniversary year in Finland will be the Nicaea 1700 years jubilee seminar in Turku on 9th May 2025. The seminar is organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church Council, the Åbo Akademi University, the University of Turku, and the Finnish Ecumenical Council.
Photo: Mural of Hagia Sophia Church in Istanbul. The baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary surrounded by the imperial couple. Photo by Tomi Karttunen.Further information: Rev. Dr. Tomi Karttunen, Executive Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and Theology, tomi.karttunen@evl.fi, +35850 5941 713