What is the anniversary of Nicaea 2025?
In 2025, we mark the 1700th anniversary of the world’s first Ecumenical Council. The Council of Nicaea, held in 325AD, brought together 318 bishops to affirm the Apostolic Faith and the Church’s belief in the triune God, as proclaimed in the Nicean Creed.
Why is the Council of Nicaea important?
The Council of Nicaea in 325AD was the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church and is widely regarded as one of the most important events in Christian history. The event, requested by St. Constantine the Great, played a critical role in overcoming the heresy of the Arianism and shaping the theological foundation and unity of Christianity.
You can learn more about the history of the Council of Nicaea here.
Programme of festivities to celebrate Nicaea 2025
Key Events
Eternal Light: The Art of Holy Icons – exhibition
Saturday 24 May – Saturday 6 June, St Julian’s Church, High Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1UH. Open Mondays to Saturdays, 11am – 4pm. Also open Tuesday 27th May and Thursday 5th June, 7pm-9pm including talks by icon painter Aidan Hart (7.30pm).
Exhibition talks by iconographer Aidan Hart: Saturday 24th May, 11am; Tuesday 27th May, 7.30pm; Saturday 31st May, 3pm; Thursday 5th June, 7.30pm.
Voices of Nicaea: A concert of ancient music
Sunday 25th May, 7:30pm: Chronos Ensemble and Mosaic Choir, Shrewsbury Cathedral, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1UE
Open Day at the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Saturday 31st May: Open day, pilgrimage and services at the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers, Dove Close, Sutton, Shrewsbury, SY2 6FB. 9.30am Matins & Divine Liturgy followed by buffet lunch and talks. 4.30pm Paraklesis to the 318 Holy Fathers, 6.30pm Patronal Vespers with His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas presiding
Ceremonial Celebrations: Patronal Feast
Sunday 1st June: Hierarchical Matins & Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas presiding, at St Julian’s Church, High Street/Fish Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1UH, followed by a lunch reception at Shrewsbury Town FC Stadium.
Nicaea 2025 Symposium: Faith, Council Legacy
Saturday 21st June: Symposium at St Julian’s Church with theologian Reverend Professor John Behr.
Other Events
Feast of St Athanasius the Great
Thu 1 May
7pm Vespers at Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Fri 2 May
9:30am Matins & Divine Liturgy at the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Dedication of the icon of St Sylvester & Hosius of Cordoba
Sat 10 May
5:30pm arrival of icon at the Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
6:00pm Vespers
Sun 11 May
9:30am Matins & Divine Liturgy at St Julian’s Church
Feast of Ss Constantine & Helen
Tue 20 May Vespers at Church of 318 Holy Fathers
Wed 21 May Matins & Divine Liturgy at Church of 318 Holy Fathers
St Melangell Pilgrimage
Mon 26 May
1pm Blessing of the Waters St Melangell’s Shrine, Pennant Melangell
4.30pm Vespers St Melangell’s Shrine, Penant Melangell
Holy Ascension
Wed 28 May
7pm Vespers at Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Thu 29 May
9:30am Matins & Divine Liturgy at Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
Euchelaion / Holy Unction
Fri 30 May
7pm Euchelaion at Church of the 318 Holy Fathers
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