In the
year 325, Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea, the very first
ecumenical council. More than 300 bishops came from all over the Christian
world to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity.
Arius,
from Egypt, was teaching that Jesus the Son was not equal to God the Father.
Arius forcefully argued his position at length.
As Arius
vigorously continued, Nicholas became more and more agitated. Finally, he could
no longer bear what he believed was essential being attacked. The outraged
Nicholas got up, crossed the room, and slapped Arius across the face!
The
bishops were shocked. It was unbelievable that a bishop would lose control and
be so hotheaded in such a solemn assembly. They brought Nicholas to
Constantine. Constantine said even though it was illegal for anyone to strike
another in his presence, in this case, the bishops themselves must determine
the punishment.
The
bishops stripped Nicholas of his bishop’s garments, chained him, and threw him
into jail. That would keep Nicholas away from the meeting. When the Council
ended a final decision would be made about his future.
During
the night, Jesus and Mary his Mother, appeared, asking, “Why are you in jail?”
“Because of my love for you,” Nicholas replied. Jesus then gave the Book of the
Gospels to Nicholas. Mary gave him an omophorion, so Nicholas would again be
dressed as a bishop. Now at peace, Nicholas studied the Scriptures for the rest
of the night.
When the
jailer came in the morning, he found the chains loose on the floor and Nicholas
dressed in bishop’s robes, quietly reading the Scriptures. When Constantine was
told of this, the emperor asked that Nicholas be freed. Nicholas was then fully
reinstated as the Bishop of Myra.
The
Council of Nicaea agreed with Nicholas’ views, deciding the question against
Arius.
The work
of the Council produced the Nicene Creed.
Source:
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/bishop-nicholas-loses-his-cool/
CONVERSATION