Back to Eastern Orthodox Overview Councils

Seven councils that shaped Orthodox doctrine.

Orthodox Christianity defines itself through the seven ecumenical councils, from Nicaea I (325) to Nicaea II (787). These councils addressed the Trinity, Christology, the Holy Spirit, discipline, and icons.

Orthodox ClaimThe Holy Spirit guided the bishops of the undivided Church in defining the apostolic faith at seven ecumenical councils.

Main ReceiptsThe council texts themselves are indexed locally in Scribe: Nicaea, Constantinople I, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Constantinople II/III, Trullo, and Nicaea II.

Live DisputeThe Oriental Orthodox churches did not receive Chalcedon; Rome and later Protestants add their own councils to the list.

Component Map

Seven councils, one faith, many controversies.

Nicaea I (325)Condemned Arianism and confessed the Son as consubstantial with the Father through the Nicene Creed.

Constantinople I (381)Affirmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit and expanded the creed. Its canon also honored Constantinople as New Rome.

Ephesus (431)Condemned Nestorius and defended the title Theotokos for the Virgin Mary.

Chalcedon (451)Defined Christ as one person in two natures, divine and human, without confusion or change.

Constantinople II (553)Condemned the Three Chapters and reaffirmed Chalcedon in the context of Justinian.

Constantinople III (680-681)Condemned monothelitism and affirmed two wills in Christ, natural and human.

Trullo (692)A disciplinary council completing the work of the fifth and sixth councils with canons on liturgy, clergy, fasting, and practice.

Nicaea II (787)Defended the veneration of icons against iconoclasm and restored the visual witness of the incarnation.

Receipt Trail

Start here before drawing conclusions.

First Council of NicaeaIndexed locally: creed, ecthesis, and canons.

Council of ChalcedonIndexed locally: extracts from the acts and the Chalcedonian Definition.

Second Council of NicaeaIndexed locally: the horos and defense of icon veneration.