Two events were held in Sydney, Australia over the weekend to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, organised under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and Saint Andrew’s Theological College.
On Friday, August 22, the International Theology Symposium opened at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivering the keynote address.
The symposium, titled “Nicaea at 1700: A Council for the Ages?”, was convened by Saint Andrew’s Theological College in collaboration with the NSW Council of Churches. Distinguished speakers included Professor Peter Bouteneff (St Vladimir’s Seminary, New York), Professor Lewis Ayres (Durham University and Angelicum, Rome), and Fr John Behr (University of Aberdeen).
In his remarks, Archbishop Makarios emphasised the continuing relevance of the Council of 325 AD, where 318 Fathers of the Church defended the truth of the Gospel. He highlighted their decision to establish a common date for Easter as a “concern for liturgical coherence [that] continues to guide contemporary efforts towards visible ecclesiastical unity.”
On the day, a message from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was read by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis. Associate Professor Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of Saint Andrew’s Theological College, also offered a greeting.
The symposium concluded on Saturday, August 23, paving the way for a solemn celebration the following day.
On Sunday, August 24, a Synodal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral by Archbishop Makarios, together with their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, and Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The Encyclical of the Holy Eparchial Synod was read in both Greek and English, stressing that the Council of Nicaea gave the Church a new “consciousness of its ecumenicity,” transcending local boundaries for the sake of “wholeness, catholicity, and unity.”
Among the congregation were senior clergy, academics, and faithful, including Fr John Behr, who was warmly thanked by Archbishop Makarios for his participation in the symposium. Presenting him with a pectoral cross, the Archbishop remarked: “It is a great honour for us to have you with us.”
The twin events in Sydney underscored the theological, pastoral, and historical importance of the First Ecumenical Council, while also affirming its enduring relevance for the unity of the Church today.
