KDA rector speaks about significance of First Ecumenical Council

Archbishop Sylvester. Photo: UOC press service

On October 21, 2025, as part of the XVII International Scientific and Practical Conference "Spiritual and Secular Education: History of Relations – Modernity – Prospects," the rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, Archbishop Sylvester of Bilohorodka, presented a report on the topic "The First Ecumenical Council and its Place in the History of the Orthodox Church".

The presentation was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, which took place in 325 in the city of Nicaea.

In his report, Archbishop Sylvester highlighted the historical significance of the Council for the formation of church doctrine and its influence on the development of the Orthodox Church over the subsequent centuries. He emphasized that about 318 bishops from various parts of the Christian world participated in the Council, making its decisions truly ecumenical. Special attention was given to the role of the Nicene Creed in preserving church unity and combating heretical teachings throughout the history of the Church.

The XVII International Scientific and Practical Conference "Spiritual and Secular Education: History of Relations – Modernity – Prospects" is a traditional annual scientific-theological forum held within the walls of the Kyiv Theological Schools. The conference opened with a welcoming speech by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Viktor (Kotsaba) of Khmelnytskyi spoke about former UOC Primate's view on autocephaly.

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