Churches mark 1,700 years of Nicene Creed

Parishioners of St. George Memorial, Oshawa were pleased to host the first in a series of events to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The series, called the Festival of Faith, is being held by the Greater Toronto Christian Council of Churches, of which the diocese is a member.

Our neighbours from St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church joined us in sponsoring this ecumenical event on Feb. 15, which involved teaching, reflection, prayer, small group discussions, refreshments and fellowship.

Our incumbent, the Rev. Dr. Alvardo Adderley, welcomed everyone, including visiting

clergy, both Anglican and Roman Catholic, and led us through the morning’s agenda. Father Marijan Sisko of St. Gregory’s summarized and reviewed the history of the Nicene Creed and summarized its message of unity that we continue to proclaim as Christians. We were reminded of the treasure this document has been, and continues to be, for so many centuries.

In our discussion groups, we considered the implications of the creed on various facets of our Christian lives today in our own specific situations. Attendees from various parishes, as well as our own, came away inspired and with a renewed sense of respect for the essence of our faith as embodied in the words of the Nicene Creed. Thanks to all who shared in making this event successful.

As we at St. George’s continue to encourage each other in spiritual renewal and sharing our faith, Father Alvardo began a teaching series during Sunday services for Lent. His first topic was a clear explication of the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed.

Thanks to the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson, the diocese’s ecumenical officer, for inviting us to be the first parish in the Diocese of Toronto to celebrate the Festival of Faith for Christian Unity 2025. We look forward to sharing in future events around the diocese.

For more information on the Festival of Faith, including a Quiet Day planned by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in November, contact the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson, the diocese’s ecumenical officer, at [email protected].