Report from the International Symposium of Byzantologists

NIŠ AND BYZANTIUM XXIV

“1700 Years after the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea: 325–2025“

Dr Miša Rakocija

Niš is the only city in Europe that has successfully gathered distinguished Byzantinists from across the globe for twenty-four consecutive years at the Symposium “Niš and Byzantium“. The significance of being the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great, who later became Holy Emperor Constantine, attracts esteemed scholars and researchers to Niš, where they present their academic contributions at the International Symposium of Byzantinists “Niš and Byzantium“. The organizers, which include the City of Niš, the University of Niš, and the Metropolitanate of Niš, supported by the Niš Cultural Center – ensure excellent organisation, esteemed hospitality, and a high level of scientific representation.

Opening ceremony of the symposium Niš and Byzantium XXIV

The birthplace of Emperor Constantine has successfully met its obligation this year by providing both the scientific community and the general public with the chance to throughly investigate the events related to “1700 Years after the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea: 325–2025”, which was convened by Emperor Constantine.

Blessing by the Metropoliatan of Niš, His Grace Arsenije

In his opening speech at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great gave thanks to God for granting him the opportunity to convene the council: “…I feel myself bound to render thanks to God the universal king…”. We also give thanks to God for granting us the opportunity to convene the Symposium: it is by the grace of the Lord God that the Niš and Byzantium symposium has been ongoing for 24 years, uniting distinguished Byzantinists from across the globe in the hometown of St. Emperor Constantine.

Assistant Mayor Nikola Mladenović, delivering welcoming remarks on the behalf of the city

In this year, 2025, we commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, a major milestone for Christianity which took place in Nicea in 325. A scientific methodology was employed to analyze the impact of the decisions made at the Conucil of Nicea on various aspects of Christian life, encompasing theology, art, and politics. The extent and manner in which the Christian world transformed following the Council of Nicea, along with the fervent discussions that continue to echo among Christians today, were also examined.

One of the primary concepts put forth by Constantine was the balance between the state and the church, ensuring that the church would oversee the affairs of the state while the state would support the church. This notion of Constantine is symbolically illustrated by the double-headed eagle found on the Byzantine and subsequently Serbian flags. The Council of Nicea distinctly influenced Constantine’s deeds, endeavors and ideas, which played a significant role in the shaping and development of Christian culture and art.

Advisor of the Rector, Prof. Dr. Vlastimir Nikolić, presenting welcoming remarks on the behalf of the University of Niš

The Council emphasized the importance of church unity and catholicity, while the internal relations within the church were governed by canons. The struggle against Arius, who denied the Holy Trinity as a singular God – a position supported by the orthodox bishops – was intense. The Nicene Creed serves as a strong basis for all subsequent theological thoughts. Regardless of the changes in the world, the core conclusions and principles established by the Nicene Conucil have endured.

After the Council of Nicaea, Niš became an important stronghold for the Arians, with several bishops from Niš supporting Arius the Fool. The participation of one of the most prominent Christian theologians, Athanasius the Great, a fervent supporter of Orthodoxy and the Nicene Creed, was crucial for Niš during the Council. Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria, who would later be honored as St. Athanasius the Great, celebrated Easter in Niš in 344 as a guest of the Bishop of Niš, Gaudentius, after the Council held in Serdica (Sofia) in 343. The presence of Athanasius the Great, a critic of Arius’s doctrines, significantly influenced the spiritual and artistic life of the city, as demonstrated by the paintings of early Christian tombs in Niš. This illustrates a direct link between the city of Niš and the First Ecumenical Council.

Academician Prof. Dr. Renate Pilinger (Vienna), inaugurating the international scientific symposium

The magnificence of Constantine’s character is evident in the finer points. He began the opening of the Council while standing, and it was only after the priests’ persistent requests that he chose to sit down. Even as emperor, he showed respect for the bishops and priests, kissing their hands in a bow. The discord within the church deeply troubled him. He urged the bishops to emulate the pagan philosophers, who despite their disagreements, maintain their relationships and avoid conflict. Consequently, he recommended that they serve the “Great God” in unity.

In the spring of 325, bishops were called together by imperial decree, marking the first occasion that those from beyond the empire were included, with all expenses covered by the state (including travel costs and post horses). The council convened from late May until the end of August. The precise list of attendees at the Council of Nicea, along with the written record, remains unknown. Bishops arrived and departed, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number present. Eusebius of Caesarea notes that there were over 250, with some estimates exceeding 300. Nonetheless, the process for signing decisions, resolutions, and orders was established. Under the influence of Constantine, the majority of bishops endorsed the conclusions reached at the Council of Nicea. Constantine soon recognized that the assembly of the council did not achieved the desired peace for the Church or his empire.

Dr. Anđela Gavrilović (Belgrade), introducing the collection of papers XXIII

The general consensus is that the Council commenced approximately on the feast day of St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, which the city of Niš has been commemorating as its city feast day for the past 24 years, including through the scientific symposium “Niš and Byzantium”. Others believe that the First Ecumenical Council opened around June 15, perhaps not coincidentally, as that is the day when the University of Niš was founded in 1965, whose sixtieth anniversary we are celebrating this year.

The work of the First Ecumenical Council concluded with an elaborate lunch, a tradition we continue by hosting a lavish dinner following the opening of the “Niš and Byzantium” symposium. It is clear that the city of Niš is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicea.

In the year marking the 60th anniversary of the University of Niš, it is equally important to recognize another significant milestone. In particular, it has been exactly 1600 years since the founding of the University of Constantinople. This esteemed institution was established by a decree from Emperor Theodosius II on February 27, 425, resulting in the creation of departments in Greek and Latin, law, and philosophy. This decree reorganized the educational system in schools that were initially founded by Constantine the Great. Europeans regard this point as the comencement of higher education history. In 1965, the founding of the University of Niš received substantial support from Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić, who viewed its creation as a source of illumination arising from a long period of oriental slumber.

Once again, it is not a mere coincidence that 850 years have passed since the birth of St. Sava, the patriarch of the Serbian people. In the same manner that Cyril and Methodius created a written language for all Slavs, and a documentary film showcasing their contributions is being presented here, similarly, during the 13th century, all Slavic Orthodox churches incorporated the canons of St. Sava into the very foundations of their societal structures. Guided with “The Nomocanon” as its principle, St. Sava was consecrated as the first archbishop of the Serbian Church at the church of St. Sophia in Nicea in 1219, the same site where the First Ecumenical Council held.

With the divine assistance and the blessing of His Grace Arsenije, the Metropolitan of Niš, this year’s symposium of Byzantinists has begun. The presence of His Grace Nektarios, the Bishop of London and Great Britain and Ireland, enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, significance, and prestige of the “Niš and Byzantium” symposium.

Due to technical reasons, this year the conference’s opening was not held in the large hall of the University of Niš, but instead took place in the Officers’ House, a venue with significant historical background that includes the opening ceremony of the 24th international symposium of Byzantinists “Niš and Byzantium”.

The ceremonial opening began with the Serbian national anthem, performed by the vocal ensemble “Konstantin”. After the introductory remarks by Dr. Miša Rakocija, a suitable speech and blessing were ofered by the Metropolitan of Niš, His Grace Arsenije. The participants were greeted by the Assistant Mayor Nikola Mladenović on behalf of the city, while Prof. Dr. Vlastimir Nikolić, the Rector’s Advisor, represented the University of Niš in addressing the participants.

The scientific symposium was officially inaugurated by Academician Prof. Dr. Renate Pillinger from the University of Vienna. Furthermore, Dr. Anđela Gavrilović from the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade presented the collection of papers “Niš and Byzantium XXIII”.

The dignified atmosphere of the symposium’s opening was significantly enhanced by the European premiere of the documentary film highlighting the educational mission of Cyril and Methodius. The Thessaloniki brothers, Cyril and Methodius, have made a profound impact on the awareness of all Slavic peoples, among whom their veneration quickly spread. In the 9th century, they created the Slavic alphabet and were the first to preach the Gospel in the Slavic language, which earned them the title “Equal to the Apostles”. Saints Cyril and Methodius, known as the “Apostles of the Slavs,” are honored by both Roman Catholics, who commemorate them on February 14, and Orthodox Christians, who celebrate them on May 24, a date that is also recognized as a public day in Serbia –Cyril and Methodius Day.

The importance of writing for the ecclesiastical and cultural history of the Slavic nations is immeasurable, as expressed by Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, the reformer of the Serbian language: “Among all the inventions humanity has brought forth, none can compare to the significance of writing. The ability to read the works of others from two millennia ago, and to compose in a manner that allows future generations to access them after countless ages; this is a skill that nearly surpasses human understanding, and one might argue that the person who first envisioned it was more divine than human”.

Projection of the documentary film “Cyril and Methodius – Enlighteners of the Slavs”,
followed by a discussion on the film led by Dr. Iannis Sisiou

Consequently, it is a distinct honor for the City of Niš, the University of Niš, the Metropolitane of Niš, and the symposium “Niš and Byzantium” to have presented the dramatized documentary film “Cyril and Methodius” – Enlighteners of the Slavs during the opening of symposium. The film was directed by Ms. Maria Hatzimichali-Papaliou (Greece), a distinguished director whose world premiere took place this year at the 27th Thessaliniki Documentary Festival. Merely two months later, the European premiere took place in Niš at the ceremonial opening of the 24th Interational Symposium of Byzantinists “Niš nad Byzantium”.

Participants of the symposium

Today, advancements in technology have enabled cinema to contribute to contribute to the appreciation of Slavic educatiors. This achievement is attributed to remarkable technical innovations and the creator’s expertise. The distinguished director produced the documentary as a homage to a brighter future, emphasizing the power of the written word in fostering awareness, education, and supporting the autonomy of nations. After the film projection, co-author Dr. Yannis Sisiou from Kastoria engaged in a discussion about the film, with the conversation moderated by the acclaimed Niš film critic Dejan Dabić.

Participants of the symposium

The academic community has demonstrated significant interest in the Niš symposium. A total of 38 participants from 14 different countries have registered: Austria, Greece, Russian, Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden, Poland, Georgia, Montenegro, China, Lebanon, North Macedonia, the Republic of Srpska and Serbia. The traditional joint dinner served as a platform for engaging expert discussions, exchanging perspectives, networking, and fostering closer ties. On the final day, the participants undertook a tour of the Niš Fortress and its historical layers, followed by a visit to the Holy Trinity Catedral (Niš).