Council of Chalcedon
451 AD
📂 CHURCH
📖 About This Event
The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), the fourth Ecumenical Council, defined the doctrine of the two natures of Christ. Building on the work of Ephesus, Chalcedon formulated the classic Christological definition that has endured for 1,500 years: Jesus Christ is 'one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the manhood; in all things like us, without sin; begotten of the Father before the ages according to the Godhead, and in these last days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the manhood.'
The council affirmed that Christ's two natures—divine and human—are united 'without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.' This formula, known as the Chalcedonian Definition, remains the standard of orthodox Christology. The council also addressed ecclesiastical organization and granted elevated status to the See of Constantinople.
The Council of Chalcedon produced a schism with the Coptic, Ethiopian, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian, and Georgian churches, which rejected the council's definition (these churches are known as Oriental Orthodox or Non-Chalcedonian). The Catholic Church continues to seek unity with these ancient churches while maintaining the Chalcedonian Definition as dogma. Key Scripture: John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 2:9; CCC 464-466, 478, 482
📜 Key Facts
Date
451 AD
Category
Church
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