Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago Hold Lecture on the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago

Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago Hold Lecture on the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago

On Sunday, October 4, following Divine Liturgy at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Metropolis of Chicago held a lecture on the significance of the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, the first worldwide gathering of Christian leaders held in 325 AD, which was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine.

Titled, “Why Nicaea Still Matters: The First Ecumenical Council’s Significance for Christianity after 1700 Years,” keynote speaker and theologian Archon John Fotopoulos, Ph.D., highlighted key issues this meeting addressed by the bishops in attendance at that time. Issues treated in the lecture included Arius’ false teaching about the person of Christ; the particular wording of the Creed; and various ways that the Creed is still relevant today.

The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session.

Archon Dr. Peter Panton set the stage for the event, delving into the background on the Council of Nicaea and introduced Archon Fotopoulos.

Archon Regional Commander James Lakerdas spoke on what is an Archon and introduced Archon National Secretary Gus M. Pablecas, who shared greetings on behalf of the Archon National Council.

Following the lecture, Rev. Father Apostolos Georgiafentis offered a Trisagion in commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, which ended the Byzantine Empire after a 55 day siege. The event is traditionally remembered on May 29 every year.

The Archons would like to extend a special thank you to Rev. Father Apostolos Georgiafentis, Parish Council President Mitch Cellik, and the Philoptochos of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for hosting the lecture and their assistance with the luncheon. In addition, the Archons would like to thank Dr. Peter Panton for sponsoring the luncheon.

Assumption is currently the only parish in the Metropolis of Chicago to become Founders of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.

For more information on Assumption Greek Orthodox Church visit https://www.assumptionchicago.org/. For more information on the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America visit https://archons.org/.