Nicaea and the Creed: The Liturgical Transmission in Eucharistic and Baptismal Rites of the Churches

This paper focuses on the liturgical transmission of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, which became central to the liturgy of the churches from the 6th century onward. Initially a baptismal creed in Constantinople, it was introduced into the Eucharistic celebration by the monophysite Patriarch Timothy, marking a pivotal transition. From there, its use spread to Egypt, the Iberian Peninsula, and ultimately Rome by the 11th century. The Second Vatican Council later reintroduced liturgical pluralism, allowing the Apostles’ Creed in Catholic worship. While the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed remains a key reference in ecumenical dialogue, theologians like Karl Rahner have argued for the need to develop new creedal expressions for contemporary faith transmission. This historical perspective highlights the liturgy’s essential role in shaping ecclesial identity and interpreting the legacy of the Council of Nicaea through the evolving use of the Creed.