Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is the definitive statement of Catholic faith, proclaimed at every Sunday Mass. Formulated at the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD), it precisely defines Catholic belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the nature of the Church.
βPrayer Text
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
β°When to Pray
The Nicene Creed is recited at every Sunday Mass and solemnity. It is the Church's most authoritative profession of faith, uniting Catholics worldwide in shared belief.
πHow to Pray
At Mass, stand and profess the Creed with the entire congregation. Bow at the words about the Incarnation. Let each phrase deepen your understanding of the faith. Outside of Mass, pray it as a meditation on the core truths of Christianity.
πRelated Scripture
John 1:1-3
βIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him.β
Colossians 1:15-17
βHe is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth.β
John 14:26
βThe Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my nameβhe will teach you everything.β
πHistory & Background
Formulated at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) primarily to combat Arianism (which denied Christ's divinity), it was expanded at the Council of Constantinople (381 AD). The Western Church later added the Filioque clause ("and the Son"), which remains a point of difference with Eastern Orthodoxy.
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