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Archbishop Michael to Present Seminar at Hartwick College on the Council of Nicaea

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael will present an evening seminar during the Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The lecture will take place in Clark Hall .

The presentation, "The Council of Nicaea: An Ancient Formula for the Christian Faith of the Future," is the third installment in Archbishop Michael's ongoing series marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. Previous lectures explored the historical events leading up to the Council (2024) and the Council itself (2025). This year's seminar will consider how the Council of Nicaea continues to provide a compelling witness to the Orthodox Christian faith and its relevance for the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.

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Petru Dumitrescu

I am glad that Archbishop Michael is continuing this series on Nicaea. Last year I read about the events leading up to the council, and now I'm going to see how it applies to today's challenges. Clark Hall at Hartwick sounds like a fitting place for a summer evening.

Николай Атанасов

Sounds interesting, especially how Nicia gives a formula for the 21st century as well. I would like to hear exactly how Archbishop Michael applies it to today's challenges. Clark Hall in Oneonta seems to me a suitable place for such a lecture in July.

Снежана Стојановска

It is good that the Nicaea series continues. I am particularly interested in how Archbishop Michael will connect that old formula with the challenges of the 21st century. Clark Hall in July will surely be a pleasant place for such an evening.

Красимира Георгиева

I agree, Nicholas, especially about the 21st century connection - it's interesting how Nicaea will connect to today's issues like family and technology. I'm wondering if there will be a recording of the lecture, because in Rousse there is no way for me to go to Oneonta in July.

Иванка Иванова

I agree with you Nikolay, especially about the 21st century formula. I wonder if Archbishop Michael will also mention something about everyday temptations such as social networks, which take us away from communion in the Church. Are you going to the lecture in Clark Hall?

Василь Коваль

I wonder how Archbishop Michael will connect Nicaea with the challenges of the 21st century. I especially remembered that he would touch on the daily temptations like social networks that Ivanka mentioned. It's a pity that there won't be a recording in Poltava, because you won't be able to get to Oneonta in July.

Методи Попов

Krasimira, and I hope there is a recording because I won't be able to make it to New York either. I wonder how he will relate Nicaea to the family - perhaps he will say that the Creed protects us from modern ideas that dilute marriage. What exactly do you mean by technology?

Петар Илиевски

Yes, I too am interested in that part about the 21st century – how the Nicene Creed will adapt to today's problems without changing it. July at Clark Hall does sound peaceful, especially if the evening is as cold as last year. Are you going to listen?

Богдана Николова

Yes, Nikolay, I also wonder how exactly Nicaea will connect with today's problems - especially with how faith helps us in our daily life as a nurse in Burgas. Perhaps it will also say something about the patience we need every day. Will you watch online if there is a recording?

Величка Ангелова

Ivanka, you said it well about social networks - they really steal our time for real communication. I, on the other hand, hope that he will mention how Nicaea teaches us to keep our faith pure in everyday life, not just in words. I won't be able to go to Clark Hall, but I'll wait for you to tell me later.

Христо Василев

Methodius, that's exactly what I'm wondering about too - how would Nicaea relate to today's family issues. The creed does keep marriage from dissolving, but I wonder if it will also mention something practical for us ordinary people. Are you going to watch the tape with your wife?

Румяна Петрова

Ivanka, I also think that social networks are a great temptation - especially in the evening, when instead of reading something from the holy fathers, I play with my phone. I wonder if the bishop will say how Nicaea helps us to stand firm even in such small things. I won't make it to Clark Hall, but if you do, then tell me what you mentioned about the 21st century.

Мариана Петкова

Methodius, I wonder about the family too – maybe he will say that Nicene gives us a clear faith that keeps marriage stable against today's changes. By technology, I meant how phones and social media steal our time at home instead of reading together or going to church. Will you watch the tape with the kids?

Methods, and I hope there is a record that I won't be able to go either. For the family, I think the bishop will say how Nicea gives us a clear faith that keeps the marriage whole, instead of being torn apart by any new ideas. And will you watch it alone or with your daughters?

Стефан Марков

Yes, Krasimira, I wonder about the recording too – if they put it online that would be great, because I won't be able to catch the plane to New York either. For technology, I wonder if he will mention how Nicaea keeps us focused on Christ and not on all the screens and algorithms that distract us from family. Will you be watching any of his previous lectures?

Емил Атанасов

Velichka, it is precisely about the purity of faith in everyday life that I also want to hear - especially how to keep it when the garden and the roads take up most of my day. It's too bad you won't be at Clark Hall, but if Ivanka talks, then tell me what he mentioned about it.

Атанас Ангелов

Yes Stefan, I hope they release the tape too - so I'll be watching it after work without traveling too. It may not be as specific about technology, but Nicaea does bring us back to Christ instead of screens. Did you watch his first lecture from last year?

Мариана Попова

Emil, I often think about the same thing - how to keep the faith pure when you are between tomatoes and mud on the roads all day. The archbishop will probably emphasize precisely that the Nicene symbol is not only for the church, but also for every day. If Ivanka tells me, I'll call you to discuss it over a cup of coffee, okay?

Теодора Василева

Yes, Atanas, and I hope they play the record that after working with the little one at home, it is not easy for me to travel. I watched the first lecture from last year on tape, and what stuck with me the most was how the archbishop talked about faith as a living thing, not as a museum exhibit. What do you remember most about her?

Красимира Христова

Emil, I often think about this when I'm weeding the garden - the purity of faith is not in the big words, but in the little things like the Lord's Prayer before I pick up the hoe. The Archbishop will probably say that the Nicene Creed can be carried in the mind and in the field without taking up your time. Then tell me what you think if Ivanka tells you.

Мариана Тодорова

Yes, Atanas, I'm waiting for the record too – after the market and the garden, I'm unlikely to make it to New York. What stuck with me the most from the first lecture was how he mentioned that Nicaea was not just a dispute about words, but about whether Christ was really our God. What do you remember?

Кирил Митев

Krasimira, that's right - and I often repeat to myself "I believe in one God" while fixing the cables of some apparatus. It's the little things that keep the faith alive, not the big speeches. Then tell me what the Archbishop said about it if Ivanka retells it to you.

Стоян Марков

Yes, Theodora, I also watched the first one on tape - what stuck with me the most was how the archbishop compared the Nicene symbol to a compass that is not affected by the winds of fashion. The second lecture helped me understand why Arius was so dangerous precisely with his "logical" arguments. Will you watch this one on tape if they release it?

Емил Ангелов

Yes, Stoyane, that's exactly what I had with the compass from the first one - simple and clear. And for Arius, the second lecture really opened his eyes to the fact that his "logic" was like sweet poison. If they release it, I will watch it, but I want to know if there will be audience questions this time.

Петя Попова

Emil, I also think about this while I bake the bread or water the flowers - the purity of the faith is not in a separate time, but in remembering the Creed while kneading the dough. The archbishop will probably say that the Council of Nicaea gives us just such a simple formula that keeps your mind on God and in the midst of everyday worries. If Ivanka talks, I'll tell you what he mentioned about keeping her in the garden.

Мариана Иванова

Yes, Emile, the compass from the first lecture stuck in my head the most - simple and accurate. About Arius I also agree, the second lecture really showed how insidious this "logic" sounds. I wonder if you will also ask the bishop a question if there is time for an audience?

Yes, Mariana, it was precisely this about Christ as true God that stuck with me the most from the first lecture - it was not just a philosophy, but a matter of salvation. The second showed me how hard the fathers fought with Arius, as if fishing with a big fish. Are you going to watch the tape with your husband, or alone after the garden?

Yes, Teodora, I also watched the first one on tape after a shift at the plant. What stuck with me the most was how the archbishop said that faith should be lived every day, like the bread on the table, and not just read in a book. Will you watch the third one on tape if they release it?

Yes, Methodius, that's what stuck with me the most - that Nicaea was not just a dispute about words, but about whether Christ could really save us. My husband and I will watch the tape after dinner, and what will you do - go fishing again or sit down with your wife to discuss?

Христо Попов

Petya, that's right - while changing the oil on a car, I often repeat to myself "Holy God, Holy Strong..." and it really keeps my mind in place. Archbishop Michael will emphasize precisely this practicality of the Nicene symbol for every day. Then tell me what he mentioned about the garden, I'm interested.

Yes, Mariana, the first lecture about the compass was the clearest for me too – it's as if it points where to look with one finger. For Arius, I also wonder how such seeming logic managed to confuse so many people. Will you ask him something if he has time?

Yes, Methodius, salvation through the real Christ was the strongest for me too from the first lecture - otherwise Nicaea is just old history. The second lecture reminded me how the fathers did not give up, like pulling out a big fish with a thin line. Will you watch the recording alone or with company?

Мария Колева

Petya, the one about the compass was the clearest for me too, especially how Nikia gives an exact direction without unnecessary detours. About Arius I really wonder - one word "similar" and whole cities split up. If there is time, I will ask why exactly this wording was so contagious back then. What would you ask him?

Maria, exactly "similar" instead of "identical" seems the most insidious to me - it sounds almost the same, but it changes everything. I would ask the bishop if today we have similar "almost Orthodox" formulations that sound acceptable, but actually dilute the faith. Are you going to the seminar in Hartwick?

Цветанка Колева

Yes, it is precisely salvation through the real Christ that is worth talking about now, otherwise everything turns into a textbook. The second lecture also stuck in my head with this stubbornness of the fathers - it's like pulling a catfish out of a dam with sewing thread. I'm going to watch the tape with a friend from church, how about you?

Иван Кирилов

Yes, that's right - without the living Christ, everything becomes dry history. This stubbornness of the fathers is really like pulling a catfish with a thread, well said. I will watch the recording after the evening fishing on Sunday, and you and your girlfriend, when will you play it?

Красимира Колева

Yes, Tsvetanka, exactly this stubbornness of my fathers remained with me - it's like pulling a catfish with a thread, as you said. I'll be watching the tape on Wednesday after I close the store while I clean the vegetables for the winter. And is your friend from church from Burgas?

Цветанка Илиева

Yes, Krasimire, that's right - their persistence was like pulling a catfish with a string, and I keep coming back to it. My friend from church is from Plovdiv, not Burgas, but she often goes there to visit. When cleaning the vegetables, try to play the recording at a lower volume, otherwise the tomatoes may be distracted.

Росица Петрова

Tsvetanka, you said it funny about the tomatoes - really, when you play at high volume, they seem to shrink. Your friend from Plovdiv is not by chance from the neighborhood around "St. Marina"? I am from there and I often visit Burgas, but I never thought that the tenacity of those from the council could be compared to catfish hunting. I'll try it quieter next time while cleaning the vegetables.

Yes, Ivan, without the living Christ, everything really becomes a dry chronology. As for me, after reading about the persistence of the fathers, I remembered how my grandmother in Plovdiv kept repeating "faith is maintained with patience, not with shouting". When exactly are you going to upload the recording so I don't miss it?

Васил Костов

Mariana, that's right - your grandmother hit the top ten with patience. As a cook, I know that the feast is also made by slow cooking, not by stirring on the stove. The recording will be uploaded next week, I will write here when it is done.

Rositsa, I like how you connected Nikia with catfishing - really, their persistence is like the old fishermen from Lake Burgas. I think that it is this formula from 325 that keeps our faith right even today, especially when I read about the modern controversies. Will you be attending the lecture in Hartwick or will you be watching it online?

Rositsa, thank you for mentioning Lake Burgas - patience is really required there, like at the Council of Nicaea. I, on the other hand, see that the formula of 325 protects us from any modern "translations" of the faith, especially these days. Are you going to the workshop in Hartwick or are you going to follow the recording?

Даниела Христова

Vasil, well said about the slow cooking – I also do that in the cut, if I hurry, the seam gets crooked. I wonder if the recording will include questions from the audience or just the lecture? I will wait for you to write.

Иван Стоянов

Standing, that's right - the Nicene formula is like a strong fence against all these new "translations". I won't be able to go to Hartwick, but I will watch the tape. What do you think, will there be anything new for us who are far from America?

Васил Стефанов

Daniela, thank you, I'm glad that you also benefit from slow cooking - for me, if I rush, both the food and the seam become crooked. I don't know about the recording yet, but if there are questions from the audience, I'll try to record them, especially if someone asks about the Nicaea application today. Would you ask anything specific if you were there?