2. Nicaea Uncovered - To Call A Council

The decision is made to call a Council to find a doctrinal formulation about the person of Jesus Christ which all might unite around was Constantine’s aim. The Bishops gathered at Nicaea to debate the proposals. The choices were between the the teachings of the popular and enticing Arius and the serious but little known deacon, Athanasius. Amongst those in attendance were St Nicholas of Myra (Father Christmas in popular culture who existed as a reputed Bishop). The debates were serious and lasted over a month in the breezy tranquil imperial resort of Nicaea in the Asian side of the Bosphorus. After intervention from the Emperor himself the Bishops voted for Athanasius’s contention that the Son was “of the same substance” as the Father. The Arian controversy was seemingly ended. However neither Arianism nor Trinitarian discussions were at an end. They were only just beginning.

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