The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Part 2: Constantinople (381)

In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce and Pat May unpack the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople 381, the gathering that completed the Nicene Creed and reshaped the map of early Christianity. Convened by Emperor Theodosius I, this council not only reaffirmed the divinity of Christ but boldly confessed the Holy Spirit as Lord and Giver of Life, closing the door on Arianism and Macedonian heresies once and for all.

Join us as we trace the intense theological debates, the tragic death of Meletius of Antioch, Gregory of Nazianzus’ resignation, and the dramatic rise of Constantinople as “New Rome.” We’ll explore how these events deepened East–West tensions, redefined Church hierarchy, and left an enduring mark on both Orthodox and Catholic tradition.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Creed we recite today took its final shape—or why Constantinople became the new center of gravity for the Eastern Church—this episode is a must-listen.

Topics include:

The fall of Arian influence and the enforcement of Nicene orthodoxy

Meletius of Antioch’s death and the Antiochene schism

Gregory of Nazianzus’ presidency and resignation

The rise of Nectarius and the making of “New Rome”

Why Rome rejected Canon 3—and how Chalcedon later affirmed the council

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#ChurchHistory #EcumenicalCouncils #NiceneCreed #TheologyPodcast