Seventh Ecumenical Council

Second Council of Nicaea

787 · Nicaea · convened under Constantine VI and Irene

Historical context

Convened to end the first wave of Iconoclasm.

Major decisions

  • Restored the veneration (proskynesis) of icons.
  • Distinguished veneration from worship (latria), which is due to God alone.

Canons

22 disciplinary canons.

Long-term impact

Affirmed the theology of the Incarnation as the basis for sacred images.