Emperor Constantius II of Constantinople (AD 337–361) (Istanbul)

Following the death of Constantine the Great, his son Constantius II ruled as emperor for twenty-four years, from 337 to 361. Although the Nicene Creed condemned the teaching of Arianism, Constantius II—influenced by bishop Eusebius— continued to support the spread of Arianism throughout the church of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He gave amnesty to Arian church leaders and exiled those who supported the Nicene Creed.

In opposition to Arianism, the writings of the Cappadocian Fathers of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory the Theologian became the theological foundation of the final version of the Nicene Creed written at the Ecumenical Church Council in 381.