This year, 2025, the Christian church commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Nicaea, a city in modern-day Turkey, is where the emperor Constantine convened a council in 325 A.D. to settle disputes in Christian theology and practices. It is significant for Christians because it was the first ecumenical council of the church and established the doctrine of the Trinity, finalized the biblical canon, and recognized a liturgical Church Year; it is also most remembered by Christians for the Nicene Creed, which is still used in our liturgies.
However, we can also note that, while the observance of a Lenten fast before Easter began years earlier, the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. is considered the first time a 40 day season of Lent (not counting Sundays) is acknowledged. So, it’s interesting to note that Christians have set apart this time of renewal for at least 1,700 years.
The observance of Lent has historically been a time of preparation for Easter and included fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and acts of self-sacrifice and benevolence toward others. It began with Ash Wednesday, when people were marked with ashes, and was traditionally a time of preparation for baptism, which took place on Easter. The 40 days are reminiscent of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting, prayer, and temptation by the devil in the wilderness.
For many Christians today, Lent remains a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal as we journey with Jesus in his passion and death, and prepare to celebrate his resurrection and the new life we have through him. Some people observe Lent by “giving up something” during Lent as a form of fasting from a favorite food or activity; others “add something” as a way of enriching their spiritual life, such as adding biblical readings, prayer practices, serving others in need in their communities, and supporting mission projects.
There are countless ways to observe Lent, as varied as the ways in which God has called you to deepen your faith in Christ and proclaim his love to others. As you journey through Lent this year, remember that you join the faithful who have journeyed through Lent for at least the past 1,700 years. In your prayers, your Lenten practices, and your Christian mission and witness, you join the faithful “of every time and place,” as we proclaim in our Eucharistic prayers.
May Jesus accompany you on your spiritual journey with him. May the Holy Spirit deepen your faith and guide you to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus in the world. And, may our gracious and benevolent God grant you a holy and blessed Lent.
+Bishop Wilma S. Kucharek
