Ecumenical Councils Turkey

Christianity, which began as a small sect in Judea, gradually emerged from its Judaic roots and expanded in the Greco-Roman world, influenced by various pagan traditions. As the faith spread, a variety of local Christian factions, such as the Donatists, Novatians, Paulinists, Marcionites, Docetists, Montanists, Meletians, and Arians, arose. While some of these groups faded without leaving a lasting impact, others caused significant divisions within the Christian community. These divisions largely stemmed from the complex concept of worshipping a figure who was both divine and human, a notion that became even more intricate with the introduction of the Holy Spirit as a third divine element.

By the reign of Constantine the Great (324-337), the need for resolving these theological disputes led to the convening of Ecumenical Councils. These councils, believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit, were intended to unify the Church in its teachings and practices. The number of participants and the outcomes of these councils, however, were often influenced by the political climate of the time, particularly the emperor's authority.

Seven Ecumenical Councils were held before the split between Latin (Western) and Greek (Eastern) Christians made it impossible to hold universally recognized councils. The primary purpose of these councils was to address theological questions concerning the nature of Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as to reaffirm the Church's dogma against heretical movements like Arianism and Monophysitism. The last of these councils, dealing with Iconoclasm, focused on the controversy surrounding the veneration of icons.

In addition to addressing theological matters, these councils also made decisions about Church discipline. After the Ecumenical Councils, some councils were held that the Roman Catholic Church considers ecumenical, but these were not attended by representatives from the Greek Orthodox Churches. As a result, these councils are not recognized as ecumenical by the Eastern Orthodox or Anglican Churches.

The early Christian communities in the Middle East were established with a focus on unity, often referred to as Catholic or Ecumenical. For these communities, unity was based on a shared doctrinal understanding of Christianity, rooted in the teachings of Christ and his apostles. When disagreements arose about interpretations or innovations within the tradition, councils were convened to clarify which teachings were faithful to the original doctrine and which were considered deviations. The first such council was the Council of Jerusalem, and subsequent councils were held to define proper doctrine and reject heretical beliefs.

Ecumenical Councils in Turkey:

1. First Council of Nicaea (325)
2. First Council of Constantinople (381)
3. Council of Ephesus (431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (680-681)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (787)