Commemorating 1,700 Years Since the Council of Nicaea

On May 20, 2025, Christian leaders and faithful gathered simultaneously at the Temple Church in London and the Co-Cathedral of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Jerusalem to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This historic event, organized by Friends of the Holy Land, was live-streamed between the two cities, symbolizing unity and shared faith across continents.

The service brought together leaders from various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant traditions. Notable participants included Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; The Rt Rev. Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem; and His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. The multilingual service featured prayers and readings in English, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Church Slavonic, reflecting the rich tapestry of Christian liturgical traditions.

In his reflection, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, emphasized the importance of unity among Christians and the need for peace in the Holy Land. He stated, “Our gathering today is not only a commemoration of a historical event but also a call to renew our commitment to unity and to pray fervently for peace in our troubled world.”