The Nicene Creed and the Martyrs of Najran

The coming Jubilee of the Lord, which marks 2,025 years since Christ entered human history, is a momentous occasion for the universal Church, uniting the faithful in gratitude for the redemption made possible through His life, death, and resurrection. Yet, this upcoming year also holds another significant anniversary: the 1,700th year since the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea, convened in 325 AD, which gave us the foundational articulation of the Catholic faith known as the Nicene Creed.

While the Nicene Creed is recited routinely during Mass, it is far more than a mere liturgical formula. For the early Church, particularly in Najran, the Creed was a profound profession of faith that was lived out even unto martyrdom. The Christian martyrs of Najran, who faced persecution for their belief in the Triune God, embody the truths of the Creed in the most compelling way: through their words and their ultimate sacrifice.

The Martyrs of Najran upheld the belief in “one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth,” rejecting the polytheistic pressures of their oppressors. Their testimony, recorded in the Acts of the Martyrs, is striking in its consistency with the Nicene Creed. They confessed that they worshipped “one deity in three persons” and recognized the same God as worshipped by Abraham.

Their faith in “one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God” was unwavering, as demonstrated by their rejection of the demand to deny His divinity. They proclaimed that Jesus, “the Word of God,” came down from heaven and assumed human nature to save us, a direct affirmation of the Incarnation celebrated in the Creed. Even in the face of death, the citizens of Najran clung to the belief that Jesus, true God and true man, was their Savior and would bring them to “the fair mansions” of His Father.

These martyrs understood that their salvation came through Christ’s death and resurrection, as they carried their own crosses in imitation of Him. The accounts of their martyrdom resonate with the words of the Creed: “For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried.” 

The martyrs of Najran profoundly lived out their belief in the Holy Spirit, whom they acknowledged as the “giver of life.” They recognized the Holy Spirit as essential to their faith, breathing life into creation and empowering them to stand firm in their trials. The citizens of Najran, when faced with persecution, explicitly worshiped not just God the Father and Jesus Christ, but also the Holy Spirit, who is equally adored and glorified as part of the Holy Trinity. Their testimony demonstrates that the Holy Spirit was not just a theological concept but a living presence that sustained them.

Their belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” extended beyond their city, as they prayed for the universal Church, both in heaven and on earth. They trusted in the grace and prayers of the Church, understanding that their sufferings and witness were united with the broader Christian community, transcending time and place.

The martyrs also boldly confessed “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” They saw their baptism as a beautiful confession, one that bound them to Christ and His Church. Even in the face of martyrdom, they upheld the sacramental grace of baptism, recognizing it as the foundation of their faith and their relationship with God. When some faltered under persecution, repentance and forgiveness were later sought through the Church, affirming the continual role of baptismal grace in renewing their faith.

The martyrs’ profound hope in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life gave them the courage to endure suffering and death, knowing that “He who raises us from the dead” awaited them.

The Nicene Creed, often recited today without much thought, becomes alive through the example of these martyrs. Their fidelity to the truths expressed in this ancient profession of faith challenges us to live out our own faith with the same conviction and courage. As we look forward to both the Jubilee of the Lord and the anniversary of the Council of Nicea, may the witness of the martyrs of Najran inspire us to deepen our understanding of the Creed and apply it to our daily lives with renewed fervor.