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Added etymology and clarification gleaned from J.P. Farrell's "Theological Introduction to the Mystagogy of St. Photios." (published by Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1984)
'''''Homoousios''''' (from Greek ''ὁμός''/''same'' + "οὐσία"/''essence'') is a Greek word meaning "''same substance'' or ''same essence''. It refers to God's nature (" what God is") as opposed to God's Persons (hypostases; "who God is") or God's attributes ("what God does"same ). The term "homoousios" denotes that one ''ousios'' (nature/essence/substance) is shared by the three Persons of the Trinity." It is used in the [[Nicene Creed]] to say that Jesus Christ is of one essence with the Father. Although it does not appear in the Bible, the fathers of the [[First Ecumenical Council]] ultimately decided that this was the best language to use concerning the [[Holy Trinity]].
The competing term at that council was ''homoiousios'' meaning "similar essence"; it was favored by the moderates among the [[Arianism|Arians]], the [[Semi-Arianism|Semi-arians]]. Because of how close these two words are in the Greek, it has been said that there was only "one iota" of difference between them.
[[Category:Church History]]
[[Category:Theology]]
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