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1700-Year Anniversary: Council of Nicaea

Credo in unum Deum… (I believe in one God…) The Nicene Creed.

In a symbolic pilgrimage of unity, Pope Leo XIV visited Nicaea, recalling the First Council of 325 where bishops gathered to defend the divinity of Christ and craft the Nicene Creed.

Standing near the ancient hall where Athanasius once spoke with fiery conviction, the Pope reflected on the Church’s enduring call to safeguard truth. His visit honored the courage of those early fathers who confronted division with clarity and charity. In prayer, he urged today’s Church to rediscover their bold faith, reminding all that the Creed they forged still binds believers across centuries, cultures, and trials.

Key Attendees of the First Council of Nicaea:

Emperor Constantine I – convened and presided (not voting).
Around 300 bishops (traditionally 318), mostly from the Eastern Roman Empire.
Hosius of Córdoba – Constantine’s theological advisor; likely chaired many sessions.
Athanasius of Alexandria – then a deacon accompanying Bishop Alexander; a key defender of Christ’s divinity.
Alexander of Alexandria – leading opponent of Arianism.
Eusebius of Nicomedia – leading supporter of Arius.
Eusebius of Caesarea – church historian.
Arius – brought to defend his teachings, though not a voting member.

Pope Leo XIV is visited the site of ancient Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey) on November 28, 2025. Those Present for Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Nicaea:

Pope Leo XIV – making a symbolic pilgrimage of unity.
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople – welcoming the Pope as a gesture of East–West fraternity.
Local Bishop of İznik (ancient Nicaea) – host and guide to the historic site.
Delegates from the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches – theologians and representatives of dialogue commissions.
A small group of historians & archivists – providing context on the Council of 325.
Pilgrims and local faithful – gathered for prayer and blessing.

The council of Nicaea defended the divinity of Christ against Arius, a priest from Alexandria, who denied it. Next week, we shall examine the importance of the council of Nicaea and some of the statements in the creed.

-- Father Augustine Joseph

Pastor

PS "Meet Oakland's New Deacons," an article in Catholic Voice's winter edition, begins on page 16 and includes a brief bio of our own deacon Martin Padilla!

Friday, December 05:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Candle Dancers Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. (Church)
- Scout Coat of Honor Celebration 6:45 p.m. (Hall)
Saturday, December 06:
Giving Tree - All Gifts/Gift Cards Due
- Choir Dress Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. (Church)
- Reconciliation 4:00pm - 4:30 p.m.
- Vigil Mass 5:00pm @ Church
Sunday, December 07:
Second Sunday in Advent
Giving Tree - All Gifts/Gift Cards Due
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with CLW 9:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- (No 11:30 Mass due to concert preparations)
- Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Youth Confirmation - Year #2 1:30 p.m. (Pope)
- Christmas Concert 4:00 p.m. (Church)
Monday, December 08:
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation
- Mass 9:00 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- High School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Ignatius)
- Mass with Music 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Tuesday, December 09:
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- Liturgy Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Faith Formation (K-5th Grade) 3:45 p.m. (All Rooms)
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Wednesday, December 10:
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- A&E Change: Christmas Prep 9:45 a.m. (Church)
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Thursday, December 11:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church)
- WINGS 9:30 a.m. Speaker: Kathy Roberts (Hall)
- Giving Tree Move Gifts to the Hall at 11:30 a.m.
- Advent Communal Reconciliation Service 7:00 p.m. (Church)