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The First '''Council of Nicaea''', the first [[ecumenical council]] recognized by Christian churches (other than the [[Council of Jerusalem]] recorded in the [[New Testament]]), was summoned by Emperor [[Constantine]] in 325 AD in order to address disunity in the Church stemming from [[Arianism]].  It was the first time Christians could be called together from across the [[Roman Empire]] as it had been illegal before then and incurred persecutions leading to death.

The First '''Council of Nicaea''', the first [[ecumenical council]] recognized by Christian churches (other than the [[Council of Jerusalem]] recorded in the [[New Testament]]), was summoned by Emperor [[Constantine]] in A.D. 325 in order to address disunity in the Church stemming from [[Arianism]].  It was the first time Christians could be called together from across the [[Roman Empire]] as it had been illegal before then and incurred persecutions leading to death.

The sessions opened between 20 May and 19 June.<ref name="Cath">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11044a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia:  First Council of Nicea]</ref>  According to tradition, 318 bishops attended.<ref name="hu">[http://www.piar.hu/councils/ecum01.htm "THE PROFESSION OF FAITH OF THE 318 FATHERS"]</ref>  They held discussions daily, not being discouraged or intimidated by the emperor's presence.  (Constantine himself wished primarily for unity; he did not appreciate the importance of Arius's heresy.)  

The sessions opened between 20 May and 19 June.<ref name="Cath">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11044a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia:  First Council of Nicea]</ref>  According to tradition, 318 bishops attended.<ref name="hu">[http://www.piar.hu/councils/ecum01.htm "THE PROFESSION OF FAITH OF THE 318 FATHERS"]</ref>  They held discussions daily, not being discouraged or intimidated by the emperor's presence.  (Constantine himself wished primarily for unity; he did not appreciate the importance of Arius's heresy.)