Today is the Feast Day of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria

(296 – 373 A.D.)

During the mid-4th Century momentum gained among those wishing to dispute the true nature of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This schism threatened the very foundation of Christianity.  Saint Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, prominently and ardently championed the Church’s belief that Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, is true God and true man.  He tirelessly and courageously devoted most of his life to defeating the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ.  When the majority of his fellow bishops were Arian heretics, which threatened the integrity of the whole Church, Athansius stood firmly – and almost single-handedly – against their error using his philosophical knowledge, theological wisdom, rhetorical skill, and strength of spirit.  He suffered great trials, scandals, and persecutions at the hands of his doctrinal enemies, and spent much of his life in exile.  Athanasius was a participant in the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. and did much of the theological work which supported the condemnation of the Arian heresy and the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which is still proclaimed by Christians today.  For his ardent condemnation of the heretical teachings of Arius, St. Athanasius suffered much even from many of his fellow bishops.  One of the earliest and greatest champions of Church doctrine, Athanasius is renowned as the “Father of Orthodoxy.”  Credit: The Catholic Company, Morning Offering, http://www.MorningOffering.com .

If the world goes against truth, then I go against the world.

– Saint Athanasius

St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, Father of Orthodoxy, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family pray for us.  Amen.