Athanasius of Alexandria, Egyptian bishop and saint (b. 298)

A towering figure of the early Christian Church, Athanasius I of Alexandria, often revered as Athanasius the Great, was born around 296–298 AD and passed away on May 2, 373 AD. He is also known as Athanasius the Confessor and, especially within the Coptic Orthodox Church, as Athanasius the Apostolic, a testament to his profound influence and steadfast faith. As a distinguished Greek church father and the 20th bishop of Alexandria, his life was intricately woven into the fabric of a tumultuous fourth century, characterized by significant theological debates and imperial interventions.

His episcopacy was remarkably long, spanning approximately 45 years, from June 8, 328, to May 2, 373. However, this period was far from continuous; over 17 of those years were spent in five separate exiles. These forced removals from his see were often at the behest of no fewer than four different Roman emperors, underscoring the intense political and theological pressures of the age. Athanasius was not merely a theologian but a fierce defender of orthodox Christian doctrine, a revered Church Father, and the foremost champion of Trinitarianism against the emerging challenge of Arianism. Moreover, he stood as a prominent Coptic Christian (Egyptian) leader, deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural landscape of his native Egypt.

The Heart of the Controversy: Arianism and Nicaea

Athanasius's career was undeniably shaped by his relentless struggle against Arius and the theological movement known as Arianism, as well as by his fraught relationships with successive Roman emperors. The central theological dispute revolved around the nature of Jesus Christ. Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, was a created being, subordinate to God the Father, and therefore of a distinct substance. This challenged the burgeoning understanding of Christ's divinity and co-equality with the Father, which had profound implications for salvation and the worship of Christ.

In 325 AD, at the tender age of 27, Athanasius stepped onto the world stage during the First Council of Nicaea. Though only a deacon and assistant to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, his intellectual prowess and theological conviction quickly made him a leading voice against the Arians. The council itself was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who aimed to resolve the divisive Arian controversy and bring unity to the Christian Empire. Held between May and August 325, the council ultimately affirmed the doctrine of the Son's co-eternality and co-substantially with the Father, famously encapsulated in the term Homoousios (of the same essence), a concept Athanasius would champion for the rest of his life.

Episcopacy, Exiles, and "Athanasius Contra Mundum"

Just three years after the pivotal Council of Nicaea, Athanasius succeeded his mentor, Alexander, as archbishop of Alexandria. His tenure, however, was marked by ceaseless conflict. Beyond his theological battles with the Arians, particularly against powerful and influential Arian churchmen like Eusebius of Nicomedia, he found himself in direct opposition to a succession of Roman Emperors: Constantine, Constantius II, Julian the Apostate, and Valens. Each emperor, for a variety of reasons – whether due to personal Arian sympathies, political expediency, or a desire for imperial unity – sought to impose a theological consensus that often diverged from the Nicene Creed Athanasius so zealously defended.

It was this unwavering resolve in the face of immense pressure from both ecclesiastical rivals and imperial authority that earned him the famous moniker, Athanasius Contra Mundum, Latin for "Athanasius Against the World." This epithet perfectly captures the essence of his struggle: a solitary champion of orthodoxy, frequently exiled and often perceived as standing alone against the prevailing currents of the time.

A Pillar of the Church and Literary Legacy

Despite the controversies that plagued his life, Athanasius's profound impact became undeniable soon after his death. Within a few short years, Gregory of Nazianzus, another revered Church Father, eulogized him as the "Pillar of the Church." His extensive writings, which included theological treatises, historical accounts, and pastoral letters, were highly regarded by subsequent Church Fathers, both in the Latin West and the Greek East. They particularly admired his deep devotion to the "Word-become-man" (the Incarnation), his genuine pastoral concern for his flock, and his keen interest in and support for the burgeoning monastic movement, especially influenced by his friendship with Saint Antony the Great, whose biography Athanasius famously penned.

His theological contributions were so significant that the Catholic Church recognizes him as one of the four great Eastern Doctors of the Church, a title reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to theology and doctrine. Perhaps one of his most lasting and widely felt legacies is his role in the formalization of the New Testament canon. In his authoritative Easter letter of 367 AD, Athanasius became the first person to explicitly list the 27 books that comprise the New Testament canon as it is used and accepted by the vast majority of Christian denominations today.

Enduring Veneration

Today, Athanasius is universally venerated as a Saint across a broad spectrum of Christian traditions. He is honored in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church (which considers him a foundational figure), the Anglican Communion, and Lutheranism. His unwavering defense of fundamental Christian doctrines, his steadfastness in the face of persecution, and his vital contributions to theological thought continue to inspire and resonate with believers worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most significant figures in early Christian history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athanasius I of Alexandria

What was Athanasius I of Alexandria best known for?

Athanasius is primarily known as the chief defender of Trinitarianism against Arianism during the 4th century. He was a prominent Church Father and bishop of Alexandria who fiercely advocated for the divinity and co-equality of Jesus Christ with God the Father.

What was Arianism?

Arianism was a theological doctrine, proposed by Arius, which taught that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was a created being by God the Father, not co-eternal or co-equal with Him. This contradicted the Nicene understanding of Christ as being of the same essence (Homoousios) as the Father.

Why was Athanasius exiled so many times?

Athanasius was exiled five times by four different Roman emperors due to his unyielding stance against Arianism and his refusal to compromise on the Nicene Creed. Emperors often sought theological unity for the sake of imperial stability and were swayed by powerful Arian factions or political pressures, leading them to oppose Athanasius's orthodox position.

What does "Athanasius Contra Mundum" mean?

It is a Latin phrase meaning "Athanasius Against the World." This nickname reflects his unwavering determination to uphold Nicene orthodoxy even when it meant standing alone against emperors, powerful churchmen, and popular opinion.

What was Athanasius's role in the New Testament canon?

In his Easter letter of 367 AD, Athanasius was the first person to provide an authoritative list of the 27 books that now constitute the accepted New Testament canon. While the canonization process was complex and developed over time, his list became widely accepted and highly influential in shaping the final form of the Christian Bible.

Was Athanasius connected to monasticism?

Yes, Athanasius had a strong connection to Egyptian monasticism. He was a close friend and biographer of Saint Antony the Great, often considered the father of Christian monasticism. Athanasius supported and promoted the ascetic lifestyle, seeing it as a vital expression of Christian devotion.