Biography
Athanasius, the Bishop of Alexandria, was the primary defender of orthodox Christology against the Arian heresy in the 4th century. Arianism, which taught that Jesus was a created being and not co-eternal with God the Father, gained massive popularity, even among emperors and many bishops. Athanasius famously stood 'contra mundum' (against the world) defending the divinity of Christ as established at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). Because of his steadfast orthodoxy, he was exiled from his diocese five times by four different Roman Emperors, spending a total of 17 years in exile. His work 'On the Incarnation' remains one of the greatest theological works ever written. He also wrote the influential 'Life of St. Antony,' which popularized monasticism in the West.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Preserving the true faith when nearly the entire Christian world had fallen into the Arian heresy
Wisdom & Quotes
“The Son of God became man so that we might become God.”
“Jesus, whom I know as my Redeemer, cannot be less than God.”
“If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.”