Arianism began before the council, when Arius denied the divinity of the Son. Saint Peter the Seal of the Martyrs and Saint Alexander opposed him.
The council, attended by Deacon Athanasius, produced the Nicene Creed, affirming that the Son is consubstantial with the Father and condemning Arius.
Saint Athanasius’ writings, such as Contra Arianos, refuted all Arian arguments and became the foundation of Orthodox Nicene faith.

2. The Continuing Arian Conflict

Arianism continued through political influence, but the Church stood firm through leaders like Saint Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, and Hilary of Poitiers (“the Western Athanasius”).
Even monks and laypeople defended the faith; theology became part of public life through hymns and songs affirming Orthodox belief.

3. The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) and the Heresy of Macedonius

Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
The second Ecumenical Council affirmed that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and completed the Nicene Creed.
It also marked the intrusion of politics into Church hierarchy, as Constantinople’s see was raised above Alexandria.

4. Pope Theophilus and the Building of Churches

During Pope Theophilus’ papacy (23rd patriarch), churches flourished, pagan temples were converted, and Christianity spread throughout Egypt.
He was devoted to monasticism, sending his nephew Cyril to the monastery of St. Macarius for spiritual formation.

5. The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) and the Nestorian Heresy

Pope Cyril the Great confronted Nestorius, who denied that the Virgin is Theotokos (Mother of God).
Cyril sent letters and theological explanations; when Nestorius refused, he issued The Twelve Anathemas, affirming the unity of Christ’s divine and human nature.
At the Council of Ephesus, Nestorius was condemned, and the Orthodox doctrine of one nature of God the Word Incarnate was proclaimed.
Cyril’s leadership secured the unity and purity of Christian faith.

6. Spiritual and Theological Dimension

The Church of the early centuries was a Church of theological and spiritual struggle, uniting clergy, monks, and laypeople in defense of truth.
Faith was not mere theory but life itself.
The Coptic Church shone as a beacon of Orthodoxy, preserving the truth of the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ for the salvation of humanity.

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