Saint Athanasius the Great
Archbishop of Alexandria
Life & Biography
Athanasius was born in Alexandria and from his youth was noticed by Bishop Alexander, who mentored him. As a young deacon, Athanasius accompanied Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea (325), where his keen theological mind played a crucial role in refuting the heresy of Arius.
Upon Alexander's death, Athanasius became Archbishop of Alexandria at only twenty-eight years of age. For the next forty-five years, he waged an unrelenting battle against Arianism, suffering five exiles totaling seventeen years. Despite imperial pressure, threats, and violence, he never wavered in his confession that the Son is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father.
His work "On the Incarnation" remains one of the most influential theological treatises in Christian history, presenting the logic of the Incarnation with crystalline clarity. He also played a key role in establishing the canon of the New Testament through his Festal Letter of 367.
Legacy & Impact on Orthodoxy
Athanasius earned the title 'Athanasius contra mundum' — Athanasius against the world — for his unwavering defense of Nicene Orthodoxy when nearly the entire Roman Empire had embraced Arianism. His theological formulation of the Incarnation ('God became man so that man might become god') became the foundation of Orthodox soteriology and theosis.
Key Quotes
"God became man so that man might become god.
— On the Incarnation
"The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God.
— On the Incarnation
Liturgical Hymns
Troparion
Pillar of Orthodoxy, divine and mighty bulwark of the Church, thou didst appear, O Athanasius. For by making thy life to accord with thy teaching, thou didst instill the Faith, O righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God to grant us His great mercy.