1,700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed — 23 September 2025

An Ecumenical Dialogue of Faith and Understanding

An uncommon moment of ecumenical dialogue occurred on 23 September 2025 at Trinity Theological College (TTC) to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. Representatives from the Churches of the Reformation, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Roman Catholic Church gathered for a rich theological exchange on the Filioque.

Fr. Gerard presents the Catholic theological basis for the Filioque.

About the Filioque

Filioque is Latin for “and the Son” — a clause added to the Nicene Creed to affirm that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. This phrase was meant to refute Arianism and affirm the full divinity of Christ. Officially incorporated in the West in the early eleventh century, it became one of the central theological differences contributing to the separation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Highlights of the Forum

Hosted by Trinity Theological College, the Filioque Forum featured. Rev. Dr. Philip Calington, who presented the Eastern (Orthodox) view, and Rev. Fr. Gerard Louis, who articulated the Western (Catholic) perspective.

Participants engaged deeply with Scripture, patristic writings, and classical Trinitarian theology. While doctrinal differences remained, the exchange was marked by mutual respect, scholarly depth, and a sense of fraternal unity in the search for truth.

The speakers, with faculty members of CTIS–SFXMS and TTC.*

A Shared Moment of Learning

The event drew participants from the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS), the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary (SFXMS), and Trinity Theological College, together with representatives from the Russian Orthodox community in Singapore.

CTIS expresses its sincere appreciation to TTC for this inspired initiative and for their gracious hospitality in fostering theological dialogue and mutual understanding among Christian traditions.

Br. Joseph D’Cruz, T1, Seminarian, SFXMS*

Reflection from a Participant

“The Filioque Forum offered a profound exchange between Catholic and Orthodox perspectives. I was enriched not only by the theological nuances of the Spirit’s procession, but also by the historical contexts, pastoral ramifications, and ecumenical sensitivities tied in this enduring discourse.For me, as a student of theology, its occurrence in the year marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea made it especially significant — a reminder of the Church’s long and contemplative journey through the mysteries of faith.Most striking was the spirit of dialogue, which was measured, respectful, and earnest.”— Br. Joseph D’Cruz, T1, Seminarian, SFXMS

Acknowledgements

CTIS thanks Trinity Theological College and all participants for their commitment to dialogue, unity, and deeper theological understanding. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide all Christians toward the fullness of truth and communion.

*Photos courtesy of our friends at Trinity Theological College — with gratitude for sharing these moments.