- In 381 CE the First Council of Constantinople was convened by the Eastern Roman Emperor, Theodosius I, in Constantinople to confirm Christianity as the State Religion.
- It was the second of seven Ecumenical Councils, all taking place in the East, and all summoned by the Emperors, and not by the Popes in Rome who sent Legates.
Conclusions of the Council
- The Council confirmed the Nicene Creed as adopted by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.
- It confirmed the acceptance of Trinitarianism, and that the debate over Arianism had now finished.
Outcome
- The Council established the influence of the Eastern Emperors over Christianity.
- It prepared the way for the next two Councils to meet and debate the issue of Nestorianism.
- This led to the Schism within Christianity over Nestorianism until it was finally banned in the West by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE, but continued it in the East.
Back to Ecumenical Councils