Discover Nicaea
Explore the Significance of the Council of Nicaea
Learn about the pivotal decisions that shaped early Christianity.
Key Themes from Nicaea
The First Council of Nicaea marked a turning point in church history. It addressed key issues such as the nature of Christ, the role of bishops, and the establishment of fundamental doctrines. This gathering set important precedents that shaped Christian beliefs for centuries to come.
Main Decision
The Council established foundational doctrines of Christianity, clarified Church authority, and set precedents that guided later ecumenical councils.
Doctrinal Formation
Bishops worked to define key elements of Christian belief, including the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Father.
Arian Controversy
The central debate of the Council focused on the teachings of Arius, ultimately affirming the full divinity of Christ.
Bishop Authority
The Council clarified the roles and jurisdictions of bishops, reinforcing unity and structure within the early Church.
The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea in İznik, gathering bishops from across the Christian world to resolve doctrinal disputes and unify the Church. This historic meeting produced the foundations of Christian belief, including the Nicene Creed.
Christian Heritage & Pilgrimage Sites in Türkiye
Discover Türkiye’s most significant Christian landmarks — from sacred pilgrimage sites and ancient church ruins to the historic Seven Churches of Revelation.
House of the Virgin Mary – Ephesus
The House of the Virgin Mary is one of the most sacred Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world. Believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, this holy site near Ephesus attracts millions of pilgrims every year for prayer, devotion, and spiritual reflection.
Seven Churches of Revelation
Türkiye is home to the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These ancient Christian communities played a fundamental role in early Christianity and continue to draw pilgrims from around the world.
Other Pilgrimage Sites in Türkiye
Beyond Nicaea and Ephesus, Türkiye hosts many important Christian pilgrimage landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia of İznik, the Church of St. Peter in Antakya, Cappadocia’s early Christian cave churches, and the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk. These sites form a rich spiritual heritage that spans centuries.
Churches in Türkiye
Türkiye is home to both ancient ruined churches from the early Christian era and modern active churches used by today’s Christian communities. From the historic sites of Ephesus, Cappadocia, and the Seven Churches of Revelation to contemporary churches in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, the country reflects a rich and diverse Christian heritage.
The Nicene Creed (325 AD)
The Nicene Creed is a foundational statement of Christian faith established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It affirms the full divinity of Jesus Christ, clarifies His relationship to the Father, and unifies essential Christian beliefs. By resolving early doctrinal controversies, the Creed became a guiding document for Christian teaching and worship across centuries.
Read the Full Creed →