2nd Council of Nicaea

The Second Council of Nicaea, held in 787 AD, was a significant church gathering that addressed religious disputes about the use of icons—pictures of saints and biblical scenes in worship. Some leaders believed icons should be rejected, while others argued they were helpful for devotion. The council reaffirmed the importance of veneration of icons, stating they are not idols but respectful representations that connect believers with the divine. This decision helped restore the use of icons in Orthodox Christianity and clarified their role in religious practice, balancing reverence with theological understanding.