The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Part 4: Chalcedon (451)

Join Stephen Boyce and Pat May on FACTS as we continue our series on the Seven Ecumenical Councils with a deep dive into the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) — the largest and one of the most influential councils in the history of the Christian Church. With over 520 bishops in attendance, Chalcedon delivered the definitive teaching on the two natures of Christ, reversed the chaos of the Robber Council of 449, and shaped the theological world of Christianity for centuries.

In this episode, we break down:

• The background and controversies leading up to Chalcedon

• Eutyches, Flavian, Dioscorus, and the fallout from the Latrocinium

• Pope Leo’s Tome and its role in defining orthodox Christology

• The Chalcedonian Definition: fully God, fully man.

• Canon 28 and the Constantinople–Rome tension

• The rise of the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Coptic, Syriac, Armenian)

• Why Chalcedon still matters for Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants today

Whether you’re studying church history, Christology, or exploring the roots of Christian doctrine, this episode provides a clear and accessible guide to one of the most important events in the ancient Church.

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