BYELOV Dmytro – Doctor of Juridical Sciences, Professor, Professor at the Department of Constitutional Law and Comparative Jurisprudence, Faculty of Law, "Uzhhorod National University" (Uzhhorod, Ukraine).

Email: dmitriy.belov@uzhnu.edu.ua

Keywords: Christianity, Roman religion, Ecumenical Councils

This article traces the influence of traditional Roman religion on Christianity. It analyzes the establishment of crucial dogmas and the formation of the church hierarchy. The classical era, a Christian period in history, laid the foundation for essential dogmas and shaped the church hierarchy. The practice of Ecumenical Councils was introduced, becoming the main governing bodies of the church. The first Ecumenical Council took place in Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was established, representing an exposition of the fundamental dogmas obligatory for Christians. The Nicaean Council lasted for two months, starting on June 19, 325 AD. According to historical sources, around three hundred and fifty bishops participated. The Emperor Constantine delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of unity and agreement. The emperor needed a unified and strong religion that would strengthen his rule.