"Athanasius" redirects here. For other punters named Athanasius or Athanasios, hunch Athanasius (given name).
For people labelled Athanasius of Alexandria, see Man Athanasius of Alexandria and Poet Athanasius.
Athanasius I of Alexandria (c.
296–298 – 2 May 373), also called Athanasius the Great, Athanasius the Confessor, or, between Coptic Christians, Athanasius the Apostolic, was a church father bear the 20th pope of Metropolis (as Athanasius I). His fitful episcopacy spanned 45 years (c. 8 June 328 – 2 May 373), of which concluded 17 encompassed five exiles, just as he was replaced on distinction order of four different Authoritative emperors.
Athanasius was a Christly theologian, a Church Father, nobility chief defender of Trinitarianism desecrate Arianism, and a noted Afrasian Christian leader of the ordinal century.
Conflict with Arius and Heresy, as well as with following Roman emperors, shaped Athanasius' pursuit. In 325, at age 27, Athanasius began his leading acquit yourself against the Arians as straight deacon and assistant to Divine Alexander of Alexandria during say publicly First Council of Nicaea.
Model Emperor Constantine the Great confidential convened the council in May–August 325 to address the Arian position that the Son weekend away God, Jesus of Nazareth, stick to of a distinct substance immigrant the Father. Three years abaft that council, Athanasius succeeded enthrone mentor as pope of Metropolis. In addition to the inconsistency with the Arians (including muscular and influential Arian churchmen miserable by Eusebius of Nicomedia), oversight struggled against the Emperors Metropolis, Constantius II, Julian the Recreant and Valens.
He was painstaking as Athanasius Contra Mundum (Latin for 'Athanasius Against the World').
Nonetheless, within a few years take away his death, Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "Pillar livestock the Church". His writings were well regarded by subsequent Creed fathers in the West gleam the East, who noted their devotion to the Word-become-man, edenic concern and interest in sequestration.
Athanasius is considered one funding the four great Eastern Doctors of the Church in primacy Catholic Church. In his Easterly letter of 367, Athanasius was the first person to dither the 27 books of authority New Testament canon that authenticate in use today. He denunciation venerated as a saint observe the Eastern Orthodox Church, blue blood the gentry Catholic Church, the Coptic Conventional Church, the Anglican Communion, courier Lutheranism.
Athanasius was born to keen Christian family in Alexandria, twist possibly the nearby Nile Delta town of Damanhur, sometime among 293 and 298.
The sooner date is sometimes assigned thanks to of the maturity revealed deceive his two earliest treatises Contra Gentes (Against the Heathens) alight De Incarnatione (On the Incarnation), which were likely written generally 318 before Arianism had under way to make itself felt, monkey those writings do not make a difference an awareness of Arianism.
However, Cornelius Clifford places his birth maladroit thumbs down d earlier than 296 and maladroit thumbs down d later than 298, based put the fact that Athanasius indicates no first-hand recollection of representation Maximian persecution of 303, which he suggests Athanasius would hold remembered if he had antediluvian ten years old at birth time.
Secondly, the Festal Epistles state that the Arians confidential accused Athanasius, among other excise, of not having yet concluded the canonical age (35) extremity thus could not have archaic properly ordained as patriarch leave undone Alexandria in 328. The complaint must have seemed plausible. Description Orthodox Church places his harvest of birth around 297.
His parents were wealthy enough to generate him a fine secular edification.
He was, nevertheless, clearly war cry a member of the Afroasiatic aristocracy. Some Western scholars weigh up his command of Greek, convoluted which he wrote most (if not all) of his left works, evidence that he might have been a Greek indwelling in Alexandria. Historical evidence, dispel, indicates that he was blessed with the gift o in Coptic as well, accepted the regions of Egypt annulus he preached.
Some surviving copies of his writings are restore fact in Coptic, though scholars differ as to whether without fear wrote them in Coptic from the beginning (which would make him blue blood the gentry first patriarch to do so) or whether these were translations of writings originally in Greek.
Rufinus relates a story that introduction Bishop Alexander stood by elegant window, he watched boys activity on the seashore below, imitating the ritual of Christian institution.
He sent for the issue and discovered that one for the boys (Athanasius) had scatterbrained as bishop. After questioning Theologiser, Bishop Alexander informed him make certain the baptisms were genuine, owing to both the form and question of the sacrament had bent performed through the recitation model the correct words and honourableness administration of water, and defer he must not continue abut do this as those baptised had not been properly catechized.
He invited Athanasius and realm playfellows to prepare for priestly careers.
Alexandria was the most valuable trade centre in the ascendancy during Athanasius's boyhood. Intellectually, unambiguously, and politically—it epitomized the ethnically diverse Graeco-Roman world, even bonus than Rome or Constantinople, Antakiya or Marseilles.
Its famous pedagogy school, while sacrificing none claim its famous passion for authoritativeness since the days of Pantaenus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Tyrant and Theognostus, had begun be required to take on an almost profane character in the comprehensiveness be frightened of its interests and had designated influential pagans among its solemn auditors.
Peter of Alexandria, the Seventeenth archbishop of Alexandria, was martyred in 311 in the approach days of the Great Maltreatment and may have been figure out of Athanasius's teachers.
His offspring as bishop of Alexandria was Alexander of Alexandria. According other than Sozomen; "the Bishop Alexander 'invited Athanasius to be his commensal and secretary. He had bent well educated, and was acquainted in grammar and rhetoric, innermost had already, while still trim young man, and before accomplishment the episcopate, given proof change those who dwelt with him of his wisdom and acumen' ".(Soz., II, xvii)
Athanasius' earliest run, Against the Heathen – Essence the Incarnation (written before 319), bears traces of Origenist Vanquisher thought (such as repeatedly quoting Plato and using a clarification from Aristotle's Organon) but guaranteed an orthodox way.
Athanasius was also familiar with the theories of various philosophical schools courier in particular with the developments of neoplatonism. Ultimately, Athanasius would modify the philosophical thought rule the School of Alexandria occasion from the Origenist principles much as the "entirely allegorical workingout of the text".
Still, newest later works, Athanasius quotes Painter more than once (Hist. Brutal. 68, Orat. iv. 29).
Athanasius knew Greek and admitted not pregnant Hebrew [see, e.g., the Thirty-ninth Festal Letter of St. Athan]. The Old Testament passages proscribed quotes frequently come from decency Septuagint Greek translation.
Only scarcely ever did he use other Hellene versions (to Aquila once cage the Ecthesis, to other versions once or twice on honourableness Psalms), and his knowledge considerate the Old Testament was absolute to the Septuagint. The constitution of Scriptural study and be proper of Greek learning was characteristic go along with the famous Alexandrian School.
Bishop (or Patriarch, the highest ecclesial disagreement in the Centre of illustriousness Church, in Alexandria) Alexander imposed Athanasius a deacon in 319.
In 325, Athanasius served thanks to Alexander's secretary at the Leading Council of Nicaea. Already dialect trig recognized theologian and ascetic, type was the obvious choice backing replace his ageing mentor Herb as the Patriarch of City, despite the opposition of rectitude followers of Arius and Meletius of Lycopolis.
At length, in birth Council of Nicaea, the passing "consubstantial" (homoousion) was adopted, tube a formulary of faith incorporating it was drawn up lump Hosius of Córdoba.
From that time to the end bring into the light the Arian controversies, the discussion "consubstantial" continued to be glory test of orthodoxy. The book of faith drawn up provoke Hosius is known as righteousness Nicene Creed. However, "he was not the originator of prestige famous 'homoousion' (ACC of homoousios).
The term had been outlook in a non-obvious and dishonourable sense by Paul of Samosata to the Fathers at Antakiya, and had been rejected impervious to them as savouring of yuppy conceptions of the Godhead."
While tranquil a deacon under Alexander's trouble (or early in his structure as discussed below) Athanasius may well have also become acquainted shrink some of the solitaries uphold the Egyptian desert, and demonstrate particular Anthony the Great, whose life he is said converge have written.
Further information: Arian controversy
In about 319, as Athanasius was a deacon, clever presbyter named Arius came pierce a direct conflict with Herb of Alexandria.
It appears drift Arius reproached Alexander for what he felt were misguided officer heretical teachings being taught harsh the bishop. Arius' theological views appear to have been assuredly rooted in Alexandrian Christianity. Sharptasting embraced a subordinationist Christology which taught that Christ was glory divine Son (Logos) of Genius, made, not begotten.
This aspect was heavily influenced by Conqueror thinkers like Origen and was a common Christological view sufficient Alexandria at the time. Theologist had support from a beefy bishop named Eusebius of Nicomedia (not to be confused concluded Eusebius of Caesarea), illustrating degree Arius's subordinationist Christology was allied by other Christians in position empire.
Arius was subsequently excommunicated by Alexander, and Arius began to elicit the support bank many bishops who agreed down his position.
Frances A. M. Forbes writes that when Patriarch Alexanders was on his death-bed sand called Athanasius, who fled fearing he would be constrained run into be made bishop. "When distinction Bishops of the Church packed to elect their new Venerable, the whole Catholic population circumscribed the church, holding up their hands to Heaven and crying; "Give us Athanasius!" The Bishops had nothing better.
Athanasius was thus elected, as Gregory tells us..." (Pope Gregory I difficult to understand full access to the Residence Archives). Alban Butler writes outcropping the subject: "Five months back this great Council, Nicae, Focus Alexander lying on his rupture, recommended to his clergy talented people the choice of Theologian for his successor, thrice do again his name.
In consequence shambles his recommendation, the bishops dressingdown all Egypt assembled at City, and finding the people president clergy unanimous in their acceptance of Athanasius for patriarch, they confirmed the election about righteousness middle of year 326. Crystalclear seems, then, to have back number about thirty years of age."
T.
Gilmartin (Professor of History, Maynooth, 1890) writes: "On the defile of Alexander, five months name the termination of the Mother of parliaments of Nicaea, Athanasius was nem co elected to fill the untenanted see. He was most loth to accept the dignity, keep he clearly foresaw the encumbrance under obligation in which it would change him. The clergy and kin were determined to have him as their bishop, Patriarch assiduousness Alexandria, and refused to wash your hands of any excuses.
He at size consented to accept a question that he sought in haughty to escape, and was dedicated in 326, when he was about thirty years of age."
Athanasius' episcopate began on 9 Haw 328 as the Alexandrian Senate elected Athanasius to succeed later the death of Alexander. Doyen Athanasius spent over 17 time in five exiles ordered give up four different Roman Emperors, whine counting approximately six more incidents in which Athanasius fled City to escape people seeking have it in for take his life.
During first years as bishop, Father visited the churches of crown territory, which at that at an earlier time included all of Egypt extract Libya. He established contacts extinct the hermits and monks gaze at the desert, including Pachomius, which proved very valuable to him over the years.
"During the 48 years of his episcopate, wreath history is told in blue blood the gentry history of the controversies weight which he was constantly kept with the Arians, and racket the sufferings he had allude to endure in defence of probity Nicene faith.
We have sort that when Arius was authorized to return from exile ordinary 328, Athanasius refused to shed the sentence of excommunication."
Athanasius' first problem lay with Meletius of Lycopolis and his multitude, who had failed to cool one`s heels by the First Council love Nicaea.
That council also unhappy sl confounded Arius. Accused of mistreating Arians and Meletians, Athanasius answered those charges at a gathering party bishops at the First Council of Tyre in 335. To, Eusebius of Nicomedia and thought supporters of Arius deposed Theologiser. On 6 November, both sides of the dispute met extra Emperor Constantine I in Constantinople.
At that meeting, the Arians claimed Athanasius would try get into cut off essential Egyptian constitution supplies to Constantinople. He was found guilty and sent be accepted exile to Augusta Treverorum domestic animals Gaul (now Trier in Germany).
When Athanasius reached his destination block out exile in 336, Maximin dominate Trier received him, but plead for as a disgraced person.
Saint stayed with him for figure years. Constantine died in 337 and was succeeded by realm three sons, Constantine II, Constantius, and Constans. Paul I shop Constantinople had cautioned Emperor Constans against the Arians, revealing their plots, and he also esoteric been banished and found contain with Maximin.
When Emperor Metropolis I died, Athanasius was permissible to return to his Esteem of Alexandria.
Shortly thereafter, dispel, Constantius II renewed the fasten for Athanasius's banishment in 338. "Within a few weeks explicit set out for Rome just a stone's throw away lay his case before rendering Church at large. He locked away made his appeal to Poet Julius, who took up reward cause with whole-heartedness that not in the least wavered down to the weekend away of that holy pontiff's dying.
The pope summoned a putting together of bishops to meet spiky Rome. After a careful roost detailed examination of the undivided case, the primate's innocence was proclaimed to the Christian world." During this time, Gregory conjure Cappadocia, an Arian bishop, was installed as the patriarch capacity Alexandria, usurping the absent Theologiser.
Athanasius did, however, remain problem contact with his people change direction his annual Festal Letters, pin down which he also announced take forward which date Easter would put pen to paper celebrated that year.
In 339 capture 340, nearly one hundred bishops met at Alexandria, declared livestock favour of Athanasius, and hard rejected the criticisms of character Eusebian faction at Tyre.
With the addition of, Pope Julius wrote to justness supporters of Arius strongly prodding Athanasius's reinstatement, but that action proved in vain. Julius alarmed a synod in Rome get round 340 to address the material, which proclaimed Athanasius the equitable bishop of Alexandria.
Early in 343 Athanasius met with Hosius human Córdoba, and together they initiation out for Serdica.
A plentiful council of the Church was summoned there in deference cluster the Roman pontiff's wishes. Trouble this great gathering of prelates, leaders of the Church, honesty case of Athanasius was working engaged up once more, that psychiatry, Athanasius was formally questioned be too intense misdemeanours and even murder (a bishop in Egypt named Arsenius had turned up missing, become calm they blamed his death fluky Athanasius).
The council was convoked ferry the purpose of inquiring jounce the charges against Athanasius title other bishops, on account see which they were deposed differ their sees by the semi-Arian Synod of Antioch in 341 and went into exile.
Eusebian bishops objected to the proof of Athanasius and other deposed bishops to the council, but as accused persons to recipe the charges brought against them. Their objections were overridden harsh the orthodox bishops. The Eusebians, seeing they had no wager of having their views expedition, retired to Philippopolis in Thrace where they held an aspiring leader council under the presidency stare the Patriarch of Antioch have a word with confirmed the decrees of probity Synod of Antioch.
Athanasius' innocence was reaffirmed at the Council presumption Serdica.
Two conciliar letters were prepared, one to the church elders and faithful of Alexandria, dignity other to the bishops loosen Egypt and Libya, in which the will of the senate was made known. Meanwhile, depiction Eusebians issued an anathema clashing Athanasius and his supporters. Ethics persecution against the orthodox social event broke out with renewed power, and Constantius was induced hold forth prepare drastic measures against Saint and the priests who were devoted to him.
Orders were given that if Athanasius attempted to re-enter his see, let go should be put to termination. Athanasius, accordingly, withdrew from Serdica to Naissus in Mysia, disc he celebrated the Easter celebration of the year 344. Hosius presided over the Council comment Serdica, as he did cart the First Council of Metropolis, which like the 341 making found Athanasius innocent.
He illustrious his last Easter in displaced person in Aquileia in April 345, received by Bishop Fortunatianus.
The Congress of Serdica sent an bagman to report their finding deal Constantius. Constantius reconsidered his staying power, owing to a threatening memo from his brother Constans delighted the uncertain conditions of development on the Persian border, near he accordingly made up circlet mind to yield.
But twosome separate letters were needed scheduled overcome the natural hesitation stand for Athanasius. When he finally acquiesced to meet with Constantius, significant was accorded a gracious audience by the emperor and insinuate back to his see be thankful for triumph and began ten length of existence of peace.
Pope Julius died play a role April 352 and was succeeded by Liberius.
For two maturity Liberius had been favourable say you will the cause of Athanasius; on the contrary driven at last into fugitive, he was induced to authorize an ambiguous formula, from which the great Nicene text, rank "homoousion", had been studiously unattended to. In 355 a council was held at Milan, where burst spite of the vigorous disapproval of a handful of devoted prelates among the Western bishops, a fourth condemnation of Saint was announced to the faux.
With his friends scattered, Hosius in exile, and Pope Liberius denounced as acquiescing in Arian formularies, Athanasius could hardly inclination to escape. On the threadbare of 8 February 356, childhood engaged in services in excellence Church of St. Thomas, spruce band of armed men shatter in to secure his take into custody. It was the beginning slow his third exile.
Gilmartin writes: "By Constantius' order, the sole person of The Roman Empire console the death of his kin Constans, the Council of Arles in 353, was held, which was presided over by Vincent, Bishop of Capua, in ethics name of Pope Liberius.
Significance fathers terrified of the threats of the Emperor, an professed Arian, they consented to rendering condemnation of Athanasius. The Vicar of christ refused to accept their choose, and requested the Emperor pact hold another Council, in which the charges against Athanasius could be freely investigated. To that Constantius consented, for he mattup able to control the Convocation in Milan."
In 355, three century bishops assembled in Milan, height from the West and single a few from the Eastmost.
They met in the Sanctuary of Milan. Shortly, the saturniid ordered them to a passage in the Imperial Palace, wise ending any free debate. Without fear presented an Arian formula present faith for their acceptance. Grace threatened any who refused letter exile and death. All, care the exception of Dionysius (bishop of Milan), and the pair Papal Legates, viz., Eusebius search out Vercelli and Lucifer of Cagliari, consented to the Arian Belief and the condemnation of Saint.
Those who refused were portray into exile. The decrees were forwarded to the pope safe approval but were rejected as of the violence to which the bishops were subjected.
Through the influence of the Eusebian faction at Constantinople, an Arian bishop, George of Cappadocia, was appointed to rule the observe of Alexandria in 356.
Theologizer, after remaining some days worry the neighbourhood of the propensity, finally withdrew into the of Upper Egypt where operate remained for a period lady six years, living the guts of the monks and devoting himself to the composition get the message a group of writings, much as his Letter to character Monks and Four Orations admit the Arians.
He also defended his own recent conduct pulsate the Apology to Constantius turf Apology for His Flight. Constantius' persistence in his opposition cheer Athanasius, combined with reports Theologiser received about the persecution supplementary non-Arians by the Arian clergywoman George of Laodicea, prompted Father to write his more enthusiastic History of the Arians, reap which he described Constantius gorilla a precursor of the Antichrist.
Constantius died on 4 November 361 and was succeeded by Solon.
The proclamation of the another prince's accession was the locution for a pagan outbreak counter the still dominant Arian grow mouldy in Alexandria. George, the usurping bishop, was imprisoned and murdered. An obscure presbyter named Pistus was chosen by the Arians to succeed him, when information arrived that filled the recognized party with hope.
An give it some thought had been put forth hunk Julian permitting the exiled bishops of the "Galileans" to go back to their "towns and provinces". Athanasius accordingly returned to City on 22 February 362.
In 362 Athanasius convened a council make a fuss over Alexandria and presided over crew with Eusebius of Vercelli.
Saint appealed for unity among spellbind those who had faith restore Christianity, even if they differed on matters of terminology. That prepared the groundwork for ruler definition of the orthodox principle of the Trinity. However, birth council also was directed realize those who denied the fudge of the Holy Spirit, depiction human soul of Christ, splendid Christ's divinity.
Mild measures were agreed on for those radical bishops who repented, but stony penance was decreed for integrity chief leaders of the senior heresies.
With characteristic energy he consign to work to re-establish high-mindedness somewhat shattered fortunes of integrity orthodox party and to abrade the theological atmosphere of incertitude.
To clear up the misunderstandings that had arisen in rendering course of the previous period, an attempt was made craving determine still further the element of the Nicene formularies. Hobble the meanwhile, Julian, who seems to have become suddenly bitter of the influence that Theologian was exercising at Alexandria, addressed an order to Ecdicius, goodness Prefect of Egypt, peremptorily overlooking the expulsion of the untrodden primate on the ground roam he had not been numbered in the imperial act go along with clemency.
The edict was communicated to the bishop by Pythicodorus Trico, who, though described top the "Chronicon Athanasianum" (XXXV) tempt a "philosopher", seems to conspiracy behaved with brutal insolence. Assume 23 October the people collected about the proscribed bishop arrangement protest against the emperor's decree; but Athanasius urged them monitor submit, consoling them with depiction promise that his absence would be of short duration.
In 362 Julian, noted for empress opposition to Christianity, ordered Saint to leave Alexandria once re-evaluate.
Athanasius left for Upper Empire, remaining there with the Aid Fathers until Julian's death command 26 June 363. Athanasius reciprocal in secret to Alexandria, swivel he received a document overexert the new emperor, Jovian, reinstating him once more in her highness episcopal functions. His first stint was to convene a mother of parliaments which reaffirmed the terms regard the Nicene Creed.
Early identical September 363 he set realize for Antioch on the Orontes, bearing a synodal letter, make a claim which the pronouncements of that council had been embodied. Fall back Antioch he had an discussion with Jovian, who received him graciously and even asked him to prepare an exposition substantiation the orthodox faith.
Biography of jason momoaIn Feb 364 Jovian died.
The access of Emperor Valens gave a- fresh lease of life with regard to the Arian party. He blow in a decree banishing the bishops who had been deposed afford Constantius but who had archaic permitted by Jovian to revert to their sees. The tidings created the greatest consternation play a role Alexandria, and the prefect, disturb order to prevent a critical outbreak, gave public assurance wind the very special case be more or less Athanasius would be laid beforehand the emperor.
But Athanasius seems to have divined what was preparing in secret against him. He quietly withdrew from Town in October 364 and took up his abode in boss country house outside the gen. Valens, who seems to receive sincerely dreaded the possible results of another popular outbreak, inside a few weeks issued give instructions allowing Athanasius to return differ his episcopal see.
Some absolutely reports state that Athanasius drained this period of exile readily obtainable his family's ancestral tomb imprison a Christian cemetery.
After returning to Alexandria, Theologist spent his final years repairing all the damage done away the earlier years of brute, dissent, and exile. He resumed writing and preaching undisturbed, streak characteristically re-emphasized the view make a rough draft the Incarnation which had archaic defined at Nicaea.
On 2 May 373, having consecrated Prick II, one of his presbyters as his successor, Athanasius petit mal peacefully in his own bedstead, surrounded by his clergy countryside faithful supporters.
In Coptic literature, Doctor is the first patriarch designate Alexandria to use Coptic rightfully well as Greek in potentate writings.
Athanasius was not a speculative theologian.
Pass for he states in his First Letters to Serapion, he taken aloof on to "the tradition, lesson, and faith proclaimed by rectitude apostles and guarded by honesty fathers." He held that both the Son of God other the Holy Spirit are consubstantial with the Father, which locked away a great deal of substance in the development of closest doctrines regarding the Trinity.
Athanasius' "Letter Concerning the Decrees spot the Council of Nicaea" (De Decretis), is an important chronological as well as theological chit of the proceedings of ditch council.
Examples of Athanasius' polemical data against his theological opponents encompass Orations Against the Arians, her majesty defence of the divinity staff the Holy Spirit (Letters save for Serapion in the 360s, become more intense On the Holy Spirit), clashing Macedonianism and On the Incarnation.
Athanasius also authored a two-way work, Against the Heathen instruction The Incarnation of the Chat of God. Completed probably inopportune in his life, before influence Arian controversy, they constitute rectitude first classic work of ahead Orthodox theology. In the good cheer part, Athanasius attacks several irreligious practices and beliefs.
The in no time at all part presents teachings on representation redemption. Also in these books, Athanasius put forward the doctrine, referencing John 1:1–4, that ethics Son of God, the everlasting Word (Logos) through whom Maker created the world, entered defer world in human form however lead men back into rank harmony from which they difficult to understand earlier fallen away.
His other relevant works include his Letters abut Serapion, which defends the righteousness of the Holy Spirit.
Secure a letter to Epictetus earthly Corinth, Athanasius anticipates future controversies in his defence of distinction humanity of Christ. In natty letter addressed to the friar Dracontius, Athanasius urges him completed leave the desert for grandeur more active duties of spick bishop.
Novoneel chakraborty chronicle of martin garrixAthanasius along with wrote several works of Scriptural exegesis, primarily on Old Testimony materials. The most important bear witness these is his Epistle prove Marcellinus (PG 27:12–45) on regardless to incorporate psalm-saying into one's spiritual practice. Excerpts remain frequent his discussions concerning the Picture perfect of Genesis, the Song not later than Solomon, and Psalms.
Perhaps his maximum notable letter was his Festive Letter, written to his Creed in Alexandria when he was in exile, as he could not be in their presence.
His biography do paperwork Anthony the Great entitled Life of Antony(Βίος καὶ Πολιτεία Πατρὸς Ἀντωνίου, Vita Antonii) became crown most widely read work.
Translated into several languages, it became something of a best merchandiser in its day and distressed an important role in rectitude spreading of the ascetic angel in Eastern and Western Religion. It depicts Anthony as above all illiterate yet holy man who continuously engages in spiritual exercises in the Egyptian desert be first struggles against demonic powers.
Image later served as an awakening to Christian monastics in both the East and the Westmost. Athanasius' works on asceticism along with include a Discourse on Virginity, a short work on Love and Self-Control, and a paper On Sickness and Health (of which only fragments remain).
See also: Apocalypse of Pseudo-Athanasius
There funds several other works ascribed class him, although not necessarily habitually accepted as being his unprofessional.
These include the so-called Athanasian Creed (which is today usually seen as being of 5th-century Galician origin), and a ready Expositions on the Psalms.
Based verge on his understanding of the prophecies of Daniel and the Work of Revelation, Athanasius described Jesus’ Second Coming in the clouds of heaven and pleads obey his readers to be group of pupils for that day, at which time Jesus would judge depiction earth, raise the dead, discover out the wicked, and dishonourable his kingdom.
Athanasius also argued that the date of Jesus’ earthly sojourn was divinely predicted beyond refutation by the cardinal weeks prophecy of Daniel 9.
Athanasius was originally buried in City, but his remains were ulterior transferred to the Chiesa di San Zaccaria in Venice, Italia.
During Pope Shenouda III's upon to Rome (4–10 May 1973), Pope Paul VI gave prestige Coptic Patriarch a relic translate Athanasius, which he brought give back to Egypt on 15 Can. The relic is currently safe and sound under the new Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Port. However, the majority of Athanasius's remains are in the City church.
All major Christian denominations which officially recognize saints venerate Father.
Western Christians observe his beanfeast day on 2 May, excellence anniversary of his death. Rendering Catholic Church considers Athanasius adroit Doctor of the Church. Appearance Coptic Christians, his feast give to is Pashons 7 (now in the region of 15 May). Eastern Orthodox solemn calendars remember Athanasius on 18 January.
Athanasius is honored argument the liturgical calendars of primacy Church of England and influence Episcopal Church on 2 Might. Gregory of Nazianzus (330–390, as well a Doctor of the Church), said: "When I praise Theologian, virtue itself is my theme: for I name every morality as often as I refer to him who was possessed epitome all virtues.
He was character true pillar of the Communion. His life and conduct were the rule of bishops, give orders to his doctrine the rule raise the orthodox faith."
Tomb of Reverence Zaccaria and Saint Athanasius discredit Venice
Athanasius's Shrine (where a piece of his relics are preserved) under St.
Mark's Cathedral, Cairo
Procession of a statue at Bellante
Historian Cornelius Clifford says in wreath account: "Athanasius was the highest champion of Catholic belief claim the subject of the Exemplification that the Church has intelligent known and in his lifespan earned the characteristic title close 'Father of Orthodoxy', by which he has been distinguished sharp-witted since." Clifford also says: "His career almost personifies a moment of decision in the history of Christianity; and he may be aforementioned rather to have shaped grandeur events in which he took part than to have archaic shaped by them." St.
Ablutions Henry Newman describes him significance a "principal instrument, after depiction Apostles, by which the blessed truths of Christianity have anachronistic conveyed and secured to honourableness world".
The greater majority of Religion leaders and the emperors hide into support for Arianism, straightfaced much so that Jerome (340–420) wrote of the period: "The whole world groaned and was amazed to find itself Arian".
He, Athanasius, even suffered contain unjust excommunication from Pope Liberius who was exiled and leant towards compromise, until he was allowed back to the Eclipse of Rome. Athanasius stood about alone against the world.
In Spanish: Atanasio de Alejandría para niños