In the 4th Cenury, the Church composed an uniform, official creed for
the whole Church as written ty the First and Second Ecumenical (meaning worldwide) Councils. It's a statement of faith written by the entire Christian Church
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Nicene Creed is recognized as the symbol of faith and is the basis of Christian education. It is recited at time of baptism by the sponsor, and by those who are admitted to the
fellowship of the faith. It is an affirmation of what each member of the church believes. It's also recited in every liturgy as a constant
renewal of our baptismal confession of faith.
The "filioque" clause
The Nicene Creed states that the Holy Spirit "proceed from the Father".
The Western Church later inserted the words "and from the Son", meaning that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. This is the
"filioque" clause which caused difference between the Western and Eastern Churches.
However, the Orthodox Church preserved the Nicene Creed in its originality. First, because the Ecumenical Council forbade changes unless by another Ecumenical Council since it belonged to the whole Church, and not
one small part of the Church should alter it. Additionally, the Orthodox believe it to be untrue and are taught what the Bible teaches, which is Christ sends the Spirit;
that the Spirit proceeds from the Father as the source of the Trinity.
Thus, the Orthodox Church has preserved the Nicene Creed is its original form.
I believe in One God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father, through Whom all things were made.
Who for us and for our salvation He came down from Heaven and was incarnated by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became Man.
Crucified for our salvation under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried.
And was resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures.
And ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.
In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I await for the resurrection of the dead
And the life of the ages to come.
Amen.
