Ecumenical councils are meetings of church leaders where its dogmas were discussed and adopted. For example, the Creed was adopted at the first (Nikean) council in 325.
Decisions of the Council should be subject to all local churches. They have no time limits.
Another task of the councils was to fight heresy. The church was still very young, and some of its leaders were questioning or interpreting Scripture in their own way. At councils, theologians discussed, condemned heretics and instructed believers.
The first council was attended by 318 Church Fathers. Among them were: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Athanasius the Great, Spiridon of Trimifunt.
At that meeting, the Arian heresy was condemned. They claimed that Jesus was “created” by God.
The Church recognizes 7 Ecumenical Councils. But the latter was devoted exclusively to iconoclasm. The basic dogmas, the foundations of the Christian doctrine were developed in the first 6. Therefore, the holiday is dedicated only to 6 meetings.
They celebrate the memory of the Church Fathers not on a certain day, but on the tenth week of Pentecost.
On the eve of the Great Vespers, then the Matins, the Liturgy is served. The kondak for the day says:
The preaching of the Apostles and the fathers of dogma, the single faith for the Church was confirmed;
And she, wearing the garment of truth, woven of heavenly theology, teaches rightly and glorifies godliness a great sacrament.
We thank the Lord for all the wise men who defended the Orthodox faith and did not allow heresy to spread.
Remembrance days
July 30 — moving
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
