Second Council of Nicaea

Illustration of Christ on the Cross: "They gave me gall to eat; and when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink" accompanied by miniature depicting iconoclasts John Grammaticus and Anthony I of Constantinople rubbing out a painting of Christ with a sponge attached to a pole. Chludov Psalter (9th century), Moscow, Hist. Mus. MS. D.129.

Decrees of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (A.D. 787) which was summoned to address the issue of iconoclasm. The council declared the production and exposure of art representing Christ and the saints to be an authentic ecclesiastical tradition in harmony with the spread of the gospel. Image above links to Tanner translation. ISBN recommendation: 0-87840-490-2.  For a more detailed defense of holy art, see St. John of Damascus: Apologies Against Those Who Attack the Divine Images in Appendix I.

Third Council of Constantinople

The Sixth Ecumenical Council, Dionisy, 1502, Virgin Nativity Cathedral, Ferapontovo, Kirillov, Vologda

Decrees of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (A.D. 680-681) which proclaimed and confirmed, against the teaching of the Monothelites, two natural volitions and two natural principles of action in Christ, His human will following and subject to His Divine Will. Image above links to Tanner translation. ISBN recommendation: 0-87840-490-2

Second Council of Constantinople

Mosaic of Justinian and Retinue, San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna, c. 546

Decrees of the Fifth Ecumenical Council (A.D. 553), summoned by the Emperor Flavius Justinian, which condemned (as Nestorian and heretical) teachings expounded by Theodore, bishop of Mopsuestia; Theodoret; and the so called letter of Ibas to Mari the Persian. Image above links to Tanner translation. ISBN recommendation: 0-87840-490-2

Council Of Ephesus

Theotokos of Vladimir, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Decrees of the Third Ecumenical Council (A.D. 431) which explained and confirmed, against the teaching of Nestorius of Constantinople, that the Marian title Theotokos (Mother of GOD) is not in contradiction to the Catholic Faith. Image above links to Tanner translation. ISBN recommendation: 0-87840-490-2

St. Athanasius: On the Incarnation

St Athanasius the Great

Athanasius of Alexandria (born c. 296, died 373) upheld the orthodox teaching regarding the Incarnation against Arius and the world. He steadfastly defended the Faith despite many persecutions, exiles, and sufferings. He is now honored as a Doctor of the Church. Image above links to Robertson translation. ISBN recommendation: 978-0-88141-427-1