The oldest and most widely used statement of Christian faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
பிதாவாகிய சர்வவல்லமையுள்ள தேவனை... விசுவாசிக்கிறேன்
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
The creed begins with the Father - creator of all. "Almighty" = Omnipotent. We affirm that God made everything from nothing (ex nihilo).
அவருடைய ஒரேபேறான குமாரன் இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவை விசுவாசிக்கிறேன்
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Jesus is the unique (one-and-only) Son of God. "Christ" = Messiah = Anointed One. "Lord" = Kyrios = divine title.
பரிசுத்த ஆவியினால் கர்ப்பந்தரித்து, கன்னி மரியாளிடத்தில் பிறந்தார்
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.
The Incarnation: God became human. Jesus had no human father - conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary was a virgin (Luke 1:35). Jesus is fully human and fully divine.
சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டு, மரித்து அடக்கம்பண்ணப்பட்டார்
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
Historical specificity: Pontius Pilate (Roman governor 26-36 CE) confirms real history. The crucifixion is both historical fact and theological necessity for atonement.
மூன்றாம் நாளில் மரித்தோரிலிருந்து எழுந்தார்
On the third day he rose again from the dead.
"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile." (1 Cor 15:17) - The Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. Historical Sunday worship commemorates this.
பரலோகத்திற்கு ஏறி, பிதாவின் வலதுபாரிசத்தில் வீற்றிருக்கிறார்
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus returned to the Father 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1). "Right hand" = position of highest honor and authority. He intercedes for us now.
உயிரோரையும் மரித்தவரையும் நியாயந்தீர்க்க வருவார்
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
The Second Coming (Parousia). Jesus will return visibly to judge all humanity. This gives Christians both urgency (be ready) and hope (justice will prevail).
பரிசுத்த ஆவியை விசுவாசிக்கிறேன்
I believe in the Holy Spirit.
The third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers, gifts the Church, and continues God's work in the world.
பரிசுத்த கத்தோலிக்க சபையை விசுவாசிக்கிறேன்
I believe in the holy catholic Church.
"Catholic" (lowercase) means universal - the whole body of Christian believers across all times, places, and denominations. Not the Roman Catholic Church specifically.
பாவமன்னிப்பை... நித்தியஜீவனை விசுவாசிக்கிறேன்
The forgiveness of sins... and the life everlasting.
The creed ends with hope: sins forgiven, bodies resurrected, eternal life with God. The complete Gospel in summary form.
CSI, TELC, Baptist, Methodist churches in Tamil Nadu all use the Apostles' Creed in worship. It is recited standing as an act of public commitment. The Nicene Creed (325 CE, more detailed) is also used in some liturgical traditions. Both affirm the same essential truths.