Nicaea II

Definition

Nicaea II, also known as the Second Council of Nicaea, was an ecumenical council held in 787 AD that primarily addressed the issue of iconoclasm, which was the rejection or destruction of religious images. The council reaffirmed the veneration of icons and established a clear stance against those who opposed their use in Eastern Orthodox worship. This council marked a significant moment in Eastern Orthodox theology as it sought to define the role of icons within the faith, asserting their importance as a means of connecting the faithful to the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nicaea II was convened by Empress Irene and included bishops from various regions, emphasizing its importance across the Eastern Orthodox Church.
2. The council declared that icons are to be venerated but not worshipped, maintaining a distinction between honor given to images and the worship due to God alone.
3. The decisions made at Nicaea II helped solidify the role of icons in Eastern Orthodox liturgy and devotional practice, influencing art and architecture for centuries.
4. The council's resolutions were met with resistance, leading to further conflicts in the Byzantine Empire regarding icon veneration and its implications for orthodoxy.
5. Nicaea II is considered the last ecumenical council recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church until later councils emerged in different contexts.

Review Questions

• What were the primary theological concerns addressed by Nicaea II regarding icons, and how did these concerns reflect broader issues in Eastern Orthodox theology?
  • Nicaea II primarily addressed the theological concerns surrounding iconoclasm, affirming the use and veneration of icons in worship. This reflection on icons highlighted broader issues in Eastern Orthodox theology, such as the nature of Christ and the connection between the material and spiritual realms. The council established that icons serve as windows to the divine, helping believers engage with their faith visually while still maintaining proper worship practices.
• Discuss the historical context that led to the convening of Nicaea II and its implications for Christian unity during that period.
  • The convening of Nicaea II was influenced by a period of intense conflict over iconoclasm in the Byzantine Empire. The destruction of icons led to significant division within the Church, creating rifts between those who supported their veneration and those who opposed it. By reaffirming the importance of icons through this council, Nicaea II aimed to restore unity within Eastern Orthodoxy, addressing a major point of contention that had consequences for church governance and community cohesion during a turbulent time.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Nicaea II on Eastern Orthodox practice and how it shaped subsequent theological developments within Christianity.
  • The long-term effects of Nicaea II on Eastern Orthodox practice were profound, as it firmly established icon veneration as a critical aspect of worship. This decision not only influenced liturgical practices but also had artistic ramifications, leading to a flourishing of religious art that depicted biblical scenes and saints. The outcomes of Nicaea II shaped subsequent theological developments by reinforcing the importance of tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy while also highlighting tensions with Western Christianity regarding icon usage and theological interpretations. These ongoing debates continue to influence ecumenical discussions today.

Related terms

Iconoclasm: The movement that sought to eliminate religious images and icons from Christian worship, viewing them as idolatrous.

Ecumenical Council: A gathering of church leaders from across Christendom to discuss and resolve issues concerning doctrine, worship, and church governance.

Veneration: A form of deep respect and honor given to saints and sacred objects in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.