In 325 Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea, the very first ecumenical council. More than 300 bishops came from all over the Christian world to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity. It was one of the early church's most intense theological questions. Arias, who was from Egypt, was teaching that Jesus the Son was not equal to God the Father. This was known as the Arian controversy and it shook the very foundations of Christianity. Arias argued his position forcefully and at great length. The assembly listened in total silence and did not interrupt the presentation.

As Arias continued to present his case vigorously, Nicholas became more and more upset. Finally Nicholas could contain himself no longer-what he saw as essential to Christian belief was under attack. An outraged Nicholas got up, crossed the room, and slapped Arias in the face! The other bishops were shocked. It was simply unbelievable that a bishop would lose conrol and be so hotheaded in such a solemn assembly. Arias' supporters demanded that Nicholas be brough to Constantine, acknowledging that it was illegal for anyone to strike another in his presence, said it this case, however, it was the bishops themselves who must determing the punishment.

The bishops decided to strip Nicholas of his bishop's garments, chain him, and throw him into jail. That way Nicholas would not participate in the rest of the meeting. When the Council was over a final judgment would be made. So a shackled Nicholas was put into jail.

Nicholas was surely ashamed of his outburst and prayed for forgiveness, though he did not waver in his belief that Arias was wrong. During the night, Jesus with Mary his Mother appeared to Nicholas, asking, "Why are you imprisoned?" "Because of my love for you," he replied. Jesus then gave the Holy Scriptures to Nicholas. Mary went away and returned with bishop's garments, including the stole, so Nicholas would be dressed with proper dignity in the robes of his office. At peace, Nicholas studied the Scriptures throughout the night.

When the jailer came to check on him in the morning, he found the chains loose on the floor and Nicholas, dressed in bishop's robes, quietly reading the Scriptures. When this was reported to Constantine, the emperor asked that Nicholas be freed. Nicholas was fully reinstated as Bishop of Myra.

The Council of Nicaea agreed with Nicholas' views, deciding the question against Arias. The work of the Council produced the Nicene Creed, which to this day Christians use when they stand and say what they believe.