325. aasta Nikaia sinodaalusutunnistus ja sinodaalortodoksia
The Synodal Creed of Nicaea (325) and Synodal Orthodoxy

Summary/Abstract: This article is derived from a lecture presented at a mini-conference held on June 5, 2025 at the University of Tartu, convened to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. While it touches upon the broader historical context of the Alexandrian crisis, the Synod of Antioch, and the role of Emperor Constantine, its primary aim is to elucidate the text of the Nicene Creed of 325. This creed, composed of several doctrinal clauses, is best understood as a verbum breviatum – a condensed articulation of Scripture – intended specifically to affirm the full divinity of the Son. As such, the Creed of 325 constitutes the earliest formal expression of synodal orthodoxy. It was not employed in baptismal rites prior to its revision in 381. Nevertheless, the text includes certain theologically contentious expressions, such as ὁμοούσιον and ὑποστάσεως ἢ οὐσίας. A subsequent discussion explores the possible meanings of these words/expressions.

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