Athanasius of Alexandria

On the Decrees of the Council of Nicaea

This work is a collection of epistles written by Emperor Constantine I, focusing on the defense of orthodox faith and the preservation of church unity in the aftermath of the Council of Nicaea. The Emperor fiercely denounces Eusebius of Nicomedia and Theognis of Nicaea for promoting the Arian heresy. Throughout the letters, Constantine strongly defends the divinity of Christ and His inseparability from God the Father, while lamenting the discord within the Church. He exposes the past transgressions of these bishops, including their complicity in persecutions, and urges the congregations to exile them and elect worthy successors. Ultimately, by detailing the divine punishment and banishment suffered by the heretical leaders, the text serves as a solemn warning for the faithful to remain steadfast and reject misleading doctrines.