Four significant patriarchal centers emerged during Christianity’s early development. According to the text, “Four historic Patriarchal centers – Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome – were established in the first century, and Constantinople in the fourth.” These centers initially maintained communion with one another.
Early Ecumenical Councils
The Church convened ecumenical councils to address theological disputes. The First Council at Nicea in 325 A.D. brought together approximately 318 bishops to combat Arianism, a heretical doctrine denying Christ’s divinity. Saint Athanasius the Great, a young deacon from Alexandria, played a pivotal role in this victory.
The Second Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.) addressed another heresy regarding the Holy Spirit’s nature. Later, the Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.) condemned Nestorius and affirmed the Virgin Mary as Theotokos.
Division of the Church
A critical division occurred at the Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.). The text explains that “the Church was divided into two groups” over differing interpretations of Christ’s nature. The filioque doctrine’s addition in 589 A.D., combined with Rome’s claim to papal supremacy, eventually caused the Great Schism separating Roman Catholicism from Eastern Orthodoxy.
Modern Reformation and Reunification
Martin Luther’s Reformation in 1517 A.D. further fragmented Christianity. However, the document notes that “in the 1990s, the two Orthodox families…came to an agreement” acknowledging Christ’s perfect divinity and humanity, representing significant progress toward Orthodox unity.