The Nicene Creed
Our beliefs are rooted in the ancient apostolic tradition, especially in the forms that developed in the Syriac- and Greek-speaking parts of the Mediterranean world and the other Christian societies further East and South, outside the bounds of the Late Roman Empire. We are "A Church of the Three Councils" and our faith is rooted in the historic creeds, above all the one established by the Council of Nicea and perfected by the Council of Contantinople. This Creed (the word comes from the Latin credo = I believe) is the fundamental definition of belief in the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America. It is a clear statement of beliefs and provides a basic understanding of how OCCA (and Orthodoxy) views the Church.
You will note the lack of the filioque ("and from the Son") which was added at a later date by Western theologians in the Roman tradition. (It is not used by any Orthodox community.) Note too that this document of faith was originally called a symbol. This is because words are indeed symbols, often moving toward, but incapable of completely expressing the Mystery.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
The Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all ages.God from God, light from light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one essence with the Father;
by whom all things were made.Who for us and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
was incarnate by the Holy Spirit
and the Virgin Mary,
and was made human.He was also crucified for us,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
and was buried;
and on the third day he rose again,
in accordance with the Scriptures.He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.And we believe in the sovereign,
life-giving Holy Spirit,
who proceeds from the Father.
Who together with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
and who spoke through the prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We confess one baptism for the remission of sins;
and look for the resurrection of the dead;
And the life of the world to come.Amen.