Prayers and Creeds

The Apostles’ Creed

A short declaration of faith, from the early years of the Western churches.

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Christ Enthroned, from the Evangelistary of Godescalc, commissioned by Charlemagne and delivered in 783.
From the Evangelistary of Godescalc (fl. 781-783), via Wikimedia Commons. ? Public domain.

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The Apostles’ Creed

From the Evangelistary of Godescalc (fl. 781-783), via Wikimedia Commons. ? Public domain. Source

Christ Enthroned, from the Evangelistary of Godescalc, commissioned by Charlemagne and delivered in 783.

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Introduction

The Apostles’ Creed dates back to the middle of the fifth century. It was a development of the Old Roman Creed, which was dubbed ‘the Apostles’ Creed’ by Ambrose of Milan, and probably emerged in Gaul. It was not unknown in the East, but it became widely used in the West through the efforts of Emperor Charlemagne in the eighth century.

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.