As you will be aware, we have special reason for celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the creation of the Nicene Creed - given that Nicaea (current day Iznik) is in Turkey, in our diocese of course.  You can read more about that, and watch Revd James Buxton (Chaplain at Izmir) at the site of the old Nicaea, on our dedicated web page here.

One of the key part of our celebrations, which will take place throughout the year, is a specially commissioned Lent Course, written by another of our chaplains, Dr Donald McFadyen (Chaplain at Fontainebleau). You can find out more about the course here.

This is what Donald had to say about his experience of writing the course:

'When I began serving as Chaplain of St Luke’s, Fontainebleau Iast Easter, I hadn’t given a thought to 2025 being the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, still less that Nicaea, now called Iznik in Turkey, was in our Diocese. For me, that link changed the Council from feeling distant in time and space, to being something to which I was connected like never before. I was therefore delighted to be asked to put together a special Lent course for the Diocese to celebrate this special anniversary. It’s been exciting to work with a small team, sharing ideas of how the Nicene Creed inspires us. I hope the energy of our discussions has been transferred into the course materials, and that if you choose to do the course, as leader or participant, you will gain a fresh understanding of the Creed's power to kindle faith, bring unity and inspire our mission in God’s world. Studying the Creed demands much from us, but gives back far more. Please join in, as together we see afresh the faith which holds us together.'

Bishop Robert writes of the course;

“I warmly commend the Lent Course Celebrating Nicaea which has been specially commissioned and written for chaplaincies in our diocese to use in 2025. Please do consider engaging with the course in your Chaplaincy this Lent. As we are all conscious of the pressures of secularism, 2025 is a unique opportunity to join in celebrating with the global church the marvellous and mysterious faith we share in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

Please let us know how you use this fantastic resource in your chaplaincy:

Susi and Ruth

communications@europe.anglican.org