The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in partnership with the Metropolis of New Jersey, will host “Nicaea Then and Now,” a symposium exploring the enduring impact of the First Ecumenical Council on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia.
The morning program will feature distinguished scholars examining Nicaea’s historical, theological, and ecumenical dimensions:
- Archon Anastasios “Tom” Papademetriou, PhD – “Witnessing Nicaea: The First Ecumenical Council as Historical Process and Experience”
- Archon George E. Demacopoulos, PhD – “Is There a Nicaean Legacy Without an Empire?” (Professor, Fordham University)
- A. Edward Siecienski, PhD – “Nicaea and Ecumenism Today” (Professor, Stockton University)
Convened in 325 AD, the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea established the foundations of Christian doctrine and remains a touchstone for Orthodox unity nearly 1,700 years later. Presided over by Emperor Constantine the Great, the council gathered bishops from across the Christian world to address growing divisions in belief and practice. While ancient sources differ on the exact number of participants, ranging from about 250 to just over 300, the event marked the first time the Church assembled on such a global scale.
The bishops produced the original form of the Nicene Creed, affirmed the divinity of Christ, and set a precedent for how the Church would deliberate matters of faith. Nicaea’s decisions continue to shape Orthodox theology and ecumenical dialogue to this day.
The symposium highlights Nicaea not only as a defining event of Christian history but also as a living source of unity and reflection in the modern world. It reaffirms the Archons’ mission to promote religious freedom, Orthodox unity, and greater awareness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s historical foundations.
The event is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. A community luncheon will follow the presentations.
Event Details
What: Nicaea Then and Now – An Archon Symposium
When: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free to the public
RSVP: ArchonCJL@gmail.com
Schedule Overview
8:00–9:15 AM
Divine Liturgy – Start of the Advent Season
9:30–10:00 AM
Continental Breakfast
10:00–10:45 AM
Archon Anastasios “Tom” Papademetriou, PhD
Witnessing Nicaea: The First Ecumenical Council as Historical Process and Experience
10:45–11:30 AM
Archon George E. Demacopoulos, PhD
Is There a Nicaean Legacy Without an Empire?
11:30 AM–12:15 PM
A. Edward Siecienski, PhD
Nicaea and Ecumenism Today
12:15–12:30 PM
Response by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
12:30 PM
Community Luncheon
Organized by: Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Metropolis of New Jersey
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.