Christian Community in Mangaluru Marks 1700 Years of The Nicene Creed

Mangaluru, November 12, 2025: Commemorating a landmark moment in Christian history, the Christian community in Mangaluru gathered at the Bishop Jathanna Auditorium, Karnataka Theological College (KTC), Balmatta, to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—a defining statement of faith and unity for the global Church. The ecumenical event, held under the theme “Celebrating Faith that Unites Us,” was jointly organized by the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Mangalore, the Mangalore Christian Council, the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, St. Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, and Karnataka Theological College.

Presiding over the gathering, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore led the commemoration that brought together clergy, theologians, and faithful from various Christian traditions. Fr. Rupesh Madtha, Secretary of the Ecumenical Commission and the Mangalore Christian Council, welcomed the assembly before dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp—a symbol of shared faith and collective witness.

Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Prof. Dexter S. Maben, Presbyter of the CSI-Karnataka Central Diocese and Visiting Professor at UTC, Bengaluru, explored the historical and theological depth of the Nicene Creed. He emphasized its enduring relevance, noting that the collective declaration “We believe” remains a profound counterpoint to individualism in today’s world.

Fr. Alexander Kalarikkal, Director of St. Joseph’s Institute of Theology, Jeppu, reflected on the Creed as a cornerstone of Christian identity, rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers and the Church’s role as the custodian of faith across generations.

In his presidential address, Bishop Saldanha reaffirmed the Creed’s timeless significance, stating, “The great and unique Creed preserved by the Church down the ages cannot be suppressed. It will be preserved for eternity, for ever and ever.” His words underscored the Church’s unbroken continuity of faith and doctrine.

The event, marked by a spirit of unity and collaboration, brought together representatives from diverse Christian denominations. Among the dignitaries present was Bishop James Patteril, newly appointed Bishop of Belthangady, who was felicitated by the organizers.

By Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes