The month of May marked the 1700th anniversary of the convening of the Council of Nicea, an event considered one of the most decisive in Christian history. In the year 325, hundreds of bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered in Nicea, on the northern coast of what is today Turkey, on the order of Emperor Constantine I. The resulting declaration, the Nicene Creed, became the first official statement of Christian faith and remains fundamental for Christians worldwide. The council aimed to establish correct Christian doctrine, set the date of Easter, define episcopal jurisdictions, and address schisms threatening the Church. A central issue was the teachings of Arius, a priest from Alexandria, who disagreed with his bishop, Alexander of Alexandria, over the divinity of Jesus. Both agreed Jesus was divine and present at creation, but Arius argued Jesus had a beginning and was subordinate to the Father, while Alexander claimed Jesus coexisted with the Father from all eternity and was fully equal. The debate involved philosophical concepts from Greek thinkers such as Plato. The two factions proposed different terms to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son: "homoiousios" (of similar substance) for Arius's supporters and "homoousios" (of the same substance) for Alexander's. The controversy revolved around a single Greek letter, the "iota," giving rise to the expression "not to change an iota." Emperor Constantine I, though not fully understanding the theological nuances, convened the council to ensure religious uniformity, essential for the Empire's stability. He believed division within the Church was worse than war. The council ruled against Arius, producing the Nicene Creed, which was overwhelmingly supported. Only a few bishops abstained, and three refused to sign. Arius and his allies were later forced to comply under Constantine's pressure. Until recently, the exact location of the Council of Nicea was unknown. In 2018, scientists discovered ancient Roman ruins under Lake Iznik in Turkey. Mustafa Sahin, director of the archaeology department at Bursa Uludag University, and Bible specialist Mark Fairchild believe the submerged basilica is where the council took place. The structure collapsed during an earthquake in 740 and was later submerged by fluctuating water levels. The site is now open to visitors, with plans for diving courses. For modern Christians, Nicea remains a symbol of unity. The Nicene Creed predates the schisms between Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism. Pope Francis expressed a desire to visit Nicea for the anniversary, and Pope Leo XIV plans to make the trip in November to continue dialogue between East and West.