Nicene Creed
/naɪˈsiːn kriːd/noun
A formal statement of Christian belief first formulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.
Did you know?The word Creed comes from Latin credere, meaning “to believe,” so this was once a public declaration of trust, loyalty, and doctrinal power—not just a prayer.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Nikaia
“The city of Nicaea in Bithynia, where the council was held.”
325 CE
Greek/Latin
Symbolon tēs pisteōs
“A “symbol” or statement of faith used to define orthodox Christian belief.”
Late Latin
Latin
credo
““I believe”; the opening word associated with statements of faith.”
Old French
Old French
creire
“To believe.”
Middle English
English
crede
“A statement of belief or creed.”
Modern English
English
Nicene Creed
“The historic Christian creed adopted from the Council of Nicaea and later expanded at Constantinople.”