The Church honors St. Athanasius today for his unwavering dedication to the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. Born in Alexandria in 296, he was educated by St. Alexander of Alexandria. In 319 Athanasius was ordained a deacon, and later became a priest. He played a key role in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325, which affirmed Christ’s full deity in the face of Arianism. Despite facing exile multiple times due to opposition from Arians and emperors, Athanasius remained steadfast in upholding the Nicene Creed. He was supported by several Popes and was hailed as a champion of orthodoxy. He passed away in 373 and was vindicated at the Second Ecumenical Council in 381. St. Athanasius is regarded as a true pillar of the Church and a model of faith for bishops. St. Gregory Nazianzen, who presided over part of that council, described St. Athanasius as “the true pillar of the church”.

St Athanasius, pray for us