The Symbol of Faith
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried; and on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets; in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
The Symbol of Faith was formulated at the two first Ecumenical Councils (held at Nicea in 325 A.D. and Constantinople in 381 A.D.) and summarises the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. It is first and foremost a baptismal Creed, constituting the confession of faith made before a person is baptised and becomes a member of the Church, the Body of Christ. We repeat and reaffirm this confession at every Divine Liturgy, and daily during our morning and evening prayers.
