An ecumenical service has been held by Christian leaders in Iznik, Turkey, to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
The service was attended by Pope Leo XIV, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, and Patriarch Bartholomew within the town formerly called Nicaea on the time of the early church.
The Church leaders noted the show of Christian unity on display on the service, with Pope Leo calling on Christians to be a model of reconciliation in a world marred by divisions.
“In this fashion, we’re all invited to beat the scandal of the divisions that unfortunately still exist, to nurture the will for unity for which the Lord Jesus prayed and gave his life,” he said.
“Today, the entire of humanity afflicted by violence and conflict is crying out for reconciliation.”
Patriarch Bartholomew also spoke of the hope expressed through the commemoration at a time of a lot conflict and pain on the planet.
“We are here to bear living witness to the identical faith expressed by the fathers of Nicaea,” he said.
“We return to this wellspring of the Christian faith as a way to move forward. The power of this place doesn’t reside in what passes away but in what endures perpetually.”
Pillay read from John 17, which incorporates the prayer of Jesus for unity: “That all of them shall be one, just as you, my Father, are in me, and I’m in you.”
Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV signed a joint declaration giving thanks for the council 1,700 years ago and its continued significance for the presence.
“We are convinced that the commemoration of this significant anniversary can encourage latest and courageous steps on the trail towards unity,” reads the declaration.
“The goal of Christian unity includes the target of contributing in a fundamental and life-giving manner to peace amongst all peoples.”
It goes on to say that they’re “deeply alarmed by the present international situation” but that “we don’t lose hope”.
“God is not going to abandon humanity,” they add.
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