On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marking the 1700th anniversary of the convening of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) organized a symposium dedicated to this historic milestone, under the theme: “Nicaea 1700: Journey Toward Unity and Reconciliation”.
Professor Chung-Hyun Baik from Jangsin University delivered the keynote address titled, “The Contemporary Significance and Application of the 1700th Anniversary of Nicaea.” Following the keynote, two presentations offered critical reflections on the address. The first was by Rev. Fr. Epiphanios Gregoriates, representing the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea, titled, “Church and Homoousios: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church – Understanding in the Tradition of the Eastern Fathers.” The second critical presentation was delivered by Fr. Boram Cha of the Anglican Church.
The symposium discussed the concept of the term “homoousios” (consubstantial) as understood by the Fathers of the Ecumenical Council and how various Christian denominations in Korea today can embrace it to foster unity and a dialogue of love among them. From the perspective of the Orthodox Church, emphasis was placed on how the Fathers of the Synod interpreted the term “homoousios” and the ecclesiological implications arising from the theology of consubstantiality. For Orthodox theology, “homoousios” describes an experiential and Christocentric ecclesiology, characterized by participation in the reality of the Church (initiation through baptism and participation through Holy Communion).
Fr. Epiphanios’ presentation sparked fruitful discussions and questions from both the participants and the audience, once again demonstrating the significant contribution of Orthodox theology to ecumenical dialogue.
Also participating from the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea were Fr. Jeremiah Cho, Fr. Antonios Lim, and Mr. Michael Park.