Udupi: The Christian community in Udupi convened at the UBM Memorial Hall, Udupi, to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, honouring it as a defining pillar of Christian faith and unity on Thursday. The ecumenical commemoration was collaboratively organised by the UBM Church Udupi, Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Udupi, and the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights.In his message, Udupi Diocese apostolic administrator Rev Gerald Isaac Lobo said the Nicene Creed is the foundation of faith for Christians. Regardless of the gatherings they belong to, proclaiming the same creed expresses and promotes unity among them. The Church always emphasises the importance of unity among all Christians. The Second Vatican Council also stated that restoring the unity of Christians is one of the primary concerns of the Church. True unity begins with spiritual conversion. It can be achieved only through humility, mutual forgiveness, and praying together, he stated.The Christian communities of the Udupi region represent a beautiful blend of diverse traditions. Here, people not only live together in harmony but also pray together, thereby discovering unity in diversity, he said. Church of South India, Karnataka Southern Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar said that the Nicene Creed is a strong foundation of the faith that Christians place in God, and that even after 1,700 years, it continues to inspire Christians to live together in unity. The Holy Bible mentions in various places how the Christian Church can be strengthened, and that the daily recitation of the creed in congregations helps to reinforce unity among believers.Rev Fr Rovel Shubadeep D’Souza, director of Divine Spring Retreat Centre, Goa, and Rev HM Watson, principal of Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta, Mangaluru, delivered lectures on the historical background and spiritual significance of the Nicene Creed. During the programme, a faith hymn presentation was performed by Rev Santosh, Sr Priya, and their team.Rev Leo Praveen, Rev Praveen Maben, Rev Noel Lewis, Prashanth Jathanna, along with clergy, pastors, religious sisters, and faithful from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, CSI, and UBM Churches, were present.
