Nicaea 2025 Symposium: Faith, Council, Legacy
International Symposium | Celebrating the First Ecumenical Council
Join us for this historic gathering as we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025).
This one-day symposium, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church of the 318 God-bearing Fathers and Thyateira Midlands Ecclesiastical Seminary, features renowned patristics scholar Fr. John Behr alongside distinguished clergy and academics exploring the enduring significance of this pivotal moment in Christian history.
Date: Saturday, 21 June 2025
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: St. Julian’s Church, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UH
Cost: £40 (includes refreshments)
Early Bird Discount: £30 (available until 21 April)
Featured Speaker: Fr. John Behr
We are honoured to welcome Fr. John Behr, Regius Professor of Humanity at the University of Aberdeen and former Dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, as our keynote speaker. Fr. John Behr’s definitive works on the formation of early Christian theology—particularly “The Way to Nicaea” and “The Nicene Faith”—have established him as one of Orthodoxy’s leading voices on the First Ecumenical Council.
His presentation will illuminate how the Holy Fathers at Nicaea articulated and defended the Apostolic Faith concerning the divinity of Christ—the truth that had been handed down from the Apostles themselves. Drawing on his extensive research, including his recent critical edition of “Gregory of Nyssa: On the Human Image of God” (2023), Fr. John Behr will bring profound insights to the conciliar expression of the unchanging Apostolic Tradition that shaped the Nicene Creed we still confess today.
Event details
Space is limited for this significant event featuring Fr. John Behr. Reserve your place today to participate in this momentous celebration of the Council that articulated for all ages the Apostolic Faith: “Light from Light, true God from true God.
Lunch is not included. Delegates are invited to explore Shrewsbury’s splendid and diverse eateries.
Programme
10:00 AM – Registration & Coffee
10:30 AM – Introduction
10:45 AM – Persecuted Church to Imperial Church – Theo Andreou
11:45 AM – The Controversy and its Resolution at Nicaea – Revd Professor John Behr
12:45 PM – Lunch
1:45 PM – The Council, its implications for us today – Revd Professor John Behr
2:45 PM – Who were the Holy Fathers of Nicaea – Fr Stephen Maxfield
4:00 PM – Panel discussion & questions
6:00 PM – Vespers at Church of the Holy Fathers
Come and find out about:
- The Historical Context of Nicaea: Explore the circumstances that led the Church to convene the Council
- The 318 Fathers: Discover the remarkable witness of the bishops who gathered to defend the Apostolic Faith
- The Living Tradition: Examine how the Nicene confession continues to be embodied in Orthodox liturgy, worship, and spirituality today