Creed is a solemn proclamation of the basic tenets of Christianity.In ancient times, a man who wants to become a Christian, had openly professed to say what he believes - and only then performed the rite of baptism.
there are different texts of the main symbols of faith were fierce arguments over every word.To solve these problems, going to the so-called Ecumenical Councils, which were attended by pastors and teachers of the Church.
The very first was proclaimed the Nicene Creed (named after the city in which it was approved).At the present time in the Orthodox Church used Nicene, which in general terms similar to the first Nicene.The main difference - a detailed confession of the divinity of Jesus Christ.Gradually, the Nicene Creed ousted and replaced all other options, and the VI Ecumenical Council finally strengthened the immutable character of just such a reading of the symbol.
«I Believe" - is the first word of the holy confession.It declares as a common faith of the whole Christian people and the personal involvement and responsibility of every member of the church.Conventionally, the Creed can be divided into twelve parts.
first part declares faith in the one God, who created all the worlds, visible and invisible, and has power over all his creations.
second part says that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, consubstantial with his Father.He was not created, but always existed, just as God the Father.
third part professes belief in the incarnation of Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, but it is not a creation of God, because He - God.
The fourth part is about the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross.For this he came - to voluntarily accept suffering and redeem people from the slavery of sin.
fifth part proclaim the resurrection of Jesus after his death true.
sixth part - the message of the Lord Jesus ascension into heaven, and the establishment of His glory in the kingdom of God.He took the place assigned to him - at the right hand of His Father.
seventh part - the declaration of faith in the second coming of Jesus, which will come in the splendor of His glory, to make the final judgment of the living and of the dead.
Eighth part - confession of the third incarnation of the divine, the Holy Spirit.This part of the Creed has generated the most controversy, and served as one of the reasons for the split single Christian church in the Orthodox and Catholic branches.Orthodox Creed says that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Roman Catholic symbol - that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.This addition ".. and the Son outgoing" called filioque.Catholics with the addition of the Filioque refer to the texts of the Holy Scripture in which Jesus says that he will leave, but instead send yourself into the world of the Holy Spirit.Christianity also explains his point of view as follows: the source of the Holy Spirit of God can only be God the Father, but the Holy Spirit can be fed through and God the Son.
Ninth part - a statement of faith in the holy church, which Christ established through his apostles.Church - is not just a collection of people, but the invisible Body of Christ, where every believer - an important part of the one Body.John Chrysostom compares the church to the ship, where the owner of the ship - God the Father, the captain - God the Son, the wind in the sails - God the Holy Spirit, and all believers are sailing on a ship and escape from death in a raging sea.
tenth of professed only possible in the life of baptism in which a person receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
eleventh part - waiting for the general resurrection of the dead in the flesh for the future of the Court.
twelfth part - the hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God.
Thus, Creed begins assertion of faith in God.It is a conscious act of complete surrender to God the Father, the desire for life in God the Son through the Holy Spirit.A believer turns away his eyes from the "world" and seeks, above all, the kingdom of God, believes in its final establishment is not only in heaven, but on earth.
Therefore Creed ends with a joyful affirmation of hope in the resurrection and eternal life in God's Kingdom.
brief prayer rule requires three to read "Our Father", three "Hail Mary, Hail" (or "Hail Mary"), and once - Creed.St. Seraphim of Sarov explained that the first prayer - perfect as given to us by the Lord, the second prayer - good news, brought from heaven by the Archangel, and the third contains all the dogmas of the Christian salvation.With such a simple rule of prayer can achieve a significant measure of Christian perfection in the world.
