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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
c. 296–May 2, 373
Patron Saint of theologians and defenders of the Faith
St. Athanasius of Alexandria stands among the greatest defenders of Christian belief in the early Church. Born around 296 in Alexandria, Egypt, he received a strong Christian education and became a deacon under Bishop Alexander. In 325, he accompanied his bishop to the Council of Nicaea. There, the Church confronted the Arian heresy, which claimed that Jesus was not fully divine. The Council affirmed Christ’s divinity.
Shortly afterward, Athanasius became Bishop of Alexandria. His firm defense of Christ’s divinity brought fierce opposition. Political pressures and theological disputes led to his exile on five occasions. Altogether, he spent 17 years away from his people.
While in exile, he was hunted by imperial soldiers and forced to stay on the move to evade capture, even hiding in the catacombs. Despite hardship, Athanasius never abandoned his mission. From places of exile, he wrote letters and theological works that explained and defended the Church’s teachings. His work On the Incarnation beautifully proclaims the mystery of God becoming man for our salvation.
Over time, the Truth he defended prevailed. Athanasius returned to Alexandria and continued guiding his flock until his death on May 2, 373.
St. Athanasius is often remembered by the phrase “Athanasius against the world,” reflecting his courage in standing firm when many faltered. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568 and is remembered as a courageous defender of theological truths at great personal cost.
St. Athanasius of Alexandria is considered an Early Church Father and a preeminent “pillar of the Church.” He is also called “Father of Orthodoxy” for his relentless, courageous defense of Christ’s divinity against Arianism. As Bishop of Alexandria, he championed the Nicene Creed’s definition of the Son as being of the same substance (homoousios) as the Father. He fought against the Arian heresy, which claimed Christ was a created being rather than fully God, enduring five exiles to defend the Faith. His work, particularly On the Incarnation, clarified that the Savior must be truly God to restore humanity. He was instrumental in formulating the doctrine at the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) that the Son is “begotten, not made.” He is revered as a Doctor of the Church and a definitive voice on the Incarnation of Christ.
In his work On the Incarnation, St. Athanasius explains why God became man in Jesus Christ. He teaches that humanity, wounded by sin, could not restore itself. Out of love, the eternal Son of God took on human nature to heal, redeem, and restore us. The book is both theological and deeply devotional. It places the Incarnation at the center of orthodoxy, helping readers understand the beauty of Christ’s saving work and solidifying the belief that salvation is possible only if Christ is truly God. The book heavily influenced both Eastern and Western Christian theology for centuries.
St. Athanasius was the primary theological opponent of Arianism, which argued that Christ was a created being rather than fully divine. His refusal to allow Arians back into the communion of the Church contradicted the wishes of several Roman emperors. At times, emperors favored compromise for the sake of unity and were willing to forgo orthodoxy of the Faith to achieve inclusiveness. His strong defense of Christ’s divinity placed him at odds with powerful political and religious leaders who supported Arianism. Because he refused to weaken the Church’s teaching, he was repeatedly removed from his position and sent into exile. His perseverance during these years strengthened the faithful and helped preserve orthodox Christian belief.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
EWTN’s limited series profiles St. Athanasius of Alexandria, the theologian and bishop who staunchly defended the divinity of Christ despite threats of exile and persecution.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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