graphic promoting 1700th anniversary of Council of Nicaea

AU to mark 1700th anniversary of Council of Nicaea with prayer service Oct. 22, panel discussion Oct. 29

Published on Oct. 07, 2025
Office of Christian Ministry

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Office of Christian Ministry at Ashland University invites the community to join in two events celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. First, a special prayer service, “Christian Prayer: The Faith We Profess,” will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., in Jack and Deb Miller Chapel. The following week, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, there will be a panel discussion, “Christian Belief: From Nicaea to Now,” at 7 p.m., in the lower chapel.

The prayer service will offer an opportunity for Christians of every tradition to reflect, sing, pray and profess the Nicene Creed, first adopted in the year 325 AD.

“In gathering as one, we hope this celebration furthers the unity among Christians for which Jesus prayed in John 17:21, ‘so that the world may come to believe,’” said Josh Sumpter, the executive director of the Office of Christian Ministry and university chaplain.

Sumpter will lead the liturgy and be joined by Rev. Nancy Hollomon-Peede, a Baptist; Rev. Adam Carrington, Ph.D., an Anglican; Rev. Eric Riesen, a Lutheran; Deacon Greg Loya, a Byzantine Catholic; Deacon Mike Hayes, a Roman Catholic; and Father Jim Winings, a Roman Catholic.

Lessons, prayers and songs will be led by students and faculty representing various campus ministries and departments of AU and Ashland Theological Seminary. A light reception will follow the service.

The panel discussion will be part of Catholic Campus Ministries’ weekly Newman Night. Topics to be covered include the development of the Church, why the Council of Nicaea was held and its historical significance, why a creed was formed and its importance on pastoral theology, Christian unity and why does this matter today. The panel will consist of Sumpter, Carrington, Riesen, Loya, Hayes and Winings.

If you plan on attending the panel discussion, please RSVP at this link.

For more information, contact the AU Office of Christian Ministry at ocm@ashland.edu or 419-207-6100.