This Creed has extra importance as it is the only creed universally recognized among the three major branches of Christianity (Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox). This is produced without the Filioque clause which was added later and while it was confirmed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox church rejected and continues to reject this clause as false theology. This clause adds that the Holy Spirit proceeds both from the Father and the Son. This is the only major split on the Creed as received today.

As first Adopted after the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD:

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, begotten of the Father, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; Who for us, and for our salvation, came down and was incarnate and was made man; and suffered, and the third day he rose again, and ascended into heaven; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead; And in the Holy Spirit

Sourced from Rose Publishing – Creeds and Heresies (see below for links)

As finally Adopted after The Council of Constantinople in 381 AD: (No text removed or altered but additional text added)

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; Who for us, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; he was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. In one holy catholic and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Sourced from Rose Publishing – Creeds and Heresies (see below for links)

Additional Online Sources:

Good sources for additional history surrounding the history and development of the creed.

Encyclopedia Britannica – Nicene Creed

New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia – The Nicene Creed

Print Sources:

Direct From Publisher:

Hendrickson Publishes Rose Publishing: – Creeds & Heresies

Excellent Resource for looking deeper at theology behind the Apostles and Nicene Creeds along with a great summary of some of the heresies which the early church faced and sometimes continues to face.

Amazon: