The Orthodox believe Jesus' voice can still be heard in the seven ecumenical councils. According to the Orthodox, this promise finds its most complete fulfillment in the ecumenical councils.
Canons deal with administrative matters and can be changed by later councils.
Through the centuries, Orthodox leaders have gathered in dozens of councils to discuss doctrine and practice. But the Orthodox believe there have been only seven truly ecumenical councils. Here are the main theological teachings and some sample canons passed by each council. Taught that the divine and human in Christ were united without confusion, change, division, or separation. Concluded that only God can be worshiped, but icons can be honored as a means of expressing devotion to what was depicted in them.