A Time-Line of Church History

Return to The Orthodox Faith & Tradition
The First Century

- The Years of Jesus
- Pentecost
- The Books Which Comprise the New Testament are Written
- Spreading of Faith to the Gentiles
- Christian Communities Founded by Bishops and Presbyters

Second Century

- Christian Persecutions
- The Apologists Defend Faith
- Church Order and Liturgy
- Holy Tradition

Third Century

- Reconciliation of the Lapsed Christians
- Establishing the First Christian School of Theology
- Liturgical Development - oldest Eucharistic prayer is written, the sacraments of baptism, chrismation and ordination are formed.

The Fourth Century

- Great Persecutions under Diocletian
- Events Surrounding Elevation of the Cross
- Inner Controversies - Donatism, & Arianism
- The First Ecumenical Council (Nicea 325) - The Creed
- The Second Ecumenical Council (Constantinople 381) - reaffirms the 1st Council
- The Fathers of the Church - Athanasius the Great, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Greorgy Nazianzen the Theologian
- Liturgical Development - Liturgies established, 40 Day Lent, Easter Feast, Christmas, & Theophany established.


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