As the central statement of doctrine of the Church,
the Nicene Creed is without question the most important non-biblical Christian
text. It succinctly states the entire Christian Faith, but it very compact
and rather terse. It is named for the first ecumenical council, which
took place in Nicea in AD 325 and where its first two parts were written.
It did not take on its final form until the second council in 381. It
is also known within the Orthodox Church as 'The Symbol of Faith.'
Many books have been written elaborating on the Creed and explaining Christianity
in the process. One excellent such book is 'I Believe' by the late Fr.
Alexander Schmemann.
As used in the liturgy, the Nicene Creed is one of the
few texts that uses "I" instead of "We." This is a
reflection on the belief of the Church that Faith is a personal thing,
and that it must therefore be expressed as such.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the
only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light;
true God of true God; begotten not made; of one essence with the Father,
by whom all things were made; who for us men and our salvation came
down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin
Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
and suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again, according
to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand
of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living
and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of
Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son
together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of
sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the
life of the world to come.
Amen.
