Études 1 à 3
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INF007
Le concile de Nicée
Le Premier Concile de Nicée (325 ap. J.-C.), convoqué par l'empereur Constantin, a réuni les évêques de l'Empire romain pour résoudre la controverse arienne. Il a affirmé la consubstantialité du Christ avec le Père, adopté le Symbole de Nicée encore utilisé aujourd'hui, fixé la date de Pâques et renforcé l'alliance entre l'Église et l'Empire romain, posant ainsi les fondements doctrinaux et liturgiques du christianisme.
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INF014
The monk Dionysius Exiguus
Dionysius Exiguus, a learned fifth-century monk, created the Anno Domini (AD) dating system, which is still used worldwide. He translated Greek canonical texts into Latin and helped unify the Christian calendar, notably the date of Easter. His calculations nevertheless contain inaccuracies, particularly concerning the year of Jesus' birth and the date of 25 December, the latter inherited from the Council of Nicaea (325). His legacy remains fundamental to the history of Christian chronology.
Luke 2.8-12 (King James Version) :And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
INF017
The decision to set Jesus' birth on 25 December
The Council of Nicaea (325) established liturgical rules that enabled Dionysius Exiguus to set Jesus' birth on 25 December. This date was chosen for symbolic reasons and to replace pagan winter solstice festivals, notably Sol Invictus. Although not historically verifiable, 25 December became the official date of Christmas in the Western Church.