St. Athanasius Medal

St. Athanasius Biography

St. Athanasius was a theologian and bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, in the 4th century AD. He is best known for his role in the development of Christian doctrine, particularly his defense of the divinity of Jesus Christ and his fight against Arianism, a heresy that denied the full deity of Christ.

Athanasius was born in Alexandria around 296 AD, and he was educated in the city’s famous catechetical school. He became a deacon under Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, who later ordained him as a priest. When Alexander died in 328 AD, Athanasius was elected as his successor as bishop of Alexandria.

One of Athanasius’ main contributions to Christian theology was his defense of the full divinity of Jesus Christ, which was being challenged by the Arian heresy. Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria, had taught that Jesus Christ was a created being, and that there was a time when he did not exist. Athanasius argued that this teaching was in direct opposition to the Bible and the early Christian tradition, and that it diminished the value of Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Athanasius’ opposition to Arianism brought him into conflict with many powerful figures in the Church and the Empire. He was exiled from Alexandria no less than five times by four different Roman Emperors, spending a total of 17 years in exile. Despite this, Athanasius continued to write and teach, and he had a significant influence on the development of Christian doctrine.

One of his most important works is the “On the Incarnation”, where he defend the divinity of Jesus Christ, his consubstantiability with the father, his true human nature, and his redeeming work. Through it he explain how Jesus, as the Word of God, became incarnate in order to redeem humanity and restore humanity’s relationship with God.

During his lifetime, Athanasius was also actively involved in Church governance and administration. He strengthened the organization of the Church in Egypt, and established several monasteries, including the famous one of Saint Anthony. His correspondence with other Church leaders, including Pope Alexander and Basil of Caesarea, helped to establish a common understanding of Christian doctrine across the Eastern and Western parts of the Empire.

Athanasius also played a major role in the Council of Nicaea, in 325 AD, which was convoked by the Roman Emperor Constantine to resolve the Arian controversy. The council affirmed the full divinity of Jesus Christ, and the Nicene Creed, which is still recited in churches to this day, was adopted as a statement of faith. Athanasius’ work on behalf of Nicene theology earned him the title “Pillar of the Church.”

Athanasius died in Alexandria on May 2, 373 AD. He is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican Churches. He is remembered as one of the most important theologians of the 4th century, and his legacy continues to be studied and celebrated today.

The Life of St. Athanasius

St. Athanasius was a native of Alexandria, Egypt, and was born about the year 296. His parents, virtuous Christians secured for him the best education possible. He has been styled the “”Father of Orthodoxy””, “”Pillar of the Church”” and “”Champion of Christ’s Divinity””. God chose him to defend His Church against the Arian heresy.

While only a Deacon, St. Alexander, his Bishop, took him to the Council of Nicea in 325, and there he distinguished himself by his extraordinary zeal and learning. Five months later, as St. Alexander lay dying, he recommended to his clergy and people St. Athanasius for his successor. For forty-six years, as Patriarch of Alexandria, St. Athanasius employed all his power and authority to bring the Arians back to the unity of the Church.

Although exiled five times from his See, he succeeded during those periods to guide his flock by his enlightening treatises on Catholic dogmas. His undaunted courage and unparalleled greatness of soul under the most violent persecutions, surely merited for him a crown equal to that of the glorious martyrs. In the year 373, St. Athanasius surrendered his soul to his God, Whom he had served so long and faithfully. The Church honors him as one of her greatest Doctors 

Prayers to St. Athanasius

Prayer to Mary written by St. Athanasius

It is becoming for you, O Mary, to be mindful of us, as you stand near him who bestowed upon you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Come to our aid for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master who was born of you. For this reason you are called “full of grace.”

Be mindful of us, most holy Virgin, and bestow on us gifts from the riches of your graces, O Virgin full of grace.

---

Prayer for the Intercession while wearing the St. Athanasius Medal

O my dear Saint Athanasius, I renew to the Lord, through thee, the holy resolutions which I have frequently made of intending to love and serve Him faithfully. I am resolved to detach myself from every earthly thing, and I desire ardently to unite myself to Him, as my first beginning, last end, and sovereign good. My dear St. Athanasius, I beseech thee to offer to the most holy Trinity the sacrifice of my whole being, particularly of my judgment and will, in order to conform fully to God most holy, because I desire nothing else besides His grace and His holy love.

---

Prayer to St. Athanasius for Strength and Courage:

Dear St. Athanasius,

You were a faithful servant of God who stood up against false teachings and defended the truth of the gospel. Your unwavering faith and courage in the face of opposition inspire us and give us strength.

In these difficult times, I ask for your intercession. Give me the courage and strength to stand up for my beliefs, and to defend the truth of the gospel in the face of opposition. Help me to be a faithful witness to the love of God, and to share the truth with others.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

---

Prayer to St. Athanasius for Wisdom and Understanding:

Dear St. Athanasius,

You were a great teacher and mentor, and your writings and teachings have had a lasting impact on the development of Christian theology. Your wisdom and understanding of the gospel continue to inspire and encourage us today.

In these times of uncertainty, I ask for your intercession. Grant me the wisdom and understanding to deepen my relationship with God, and to seek truth in all things. Help me to be a faithful student of the gospel, and to grow in my understanding of the truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

---

Prayer to St. Athanasius for Faithfulness:

Dear St. Athanasius,

You were a faithful servant of God who dedicated your life to sharing the truth with others. Your unwavering commitment to the gospel continues to inspire and encourage us today.

In these times of temptation and distraction, I ask for your intercession. Help me to be a faithful servant of God, and to remain steadfast in my commitment to the gospel. Grant me the courage to share the truth with others, and to remain faithful to the end.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Popular St. Athanasius Items

A St. Athanasius Medal or a St. Athanasius rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. Athanasius as their confirmation name. Wearing a St. Athanasius medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Athanasius to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Athanasius pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint in your daily life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Athanasius and pray for their intercession and protection.

St. Athanasius is the Patron Saint of Theologians

St. Athanasius of Alexandria was a fourth-century bishop and theologian who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in early Christianity. He is remembered for his steadfast defense of the doctrine of the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy, which denied that Jesus was fully divine.

St. Athanasius is the patron saint of several causes, including:

1. The Catholic Church
2. Theology
3. The defense of the faith
4. Students of theology
5. Egypt
6. Against heresy

As the patron saint of the Catholic Church, St. Athanasius is recognized as a champion of the faith who stood up against false teachings and defended the truth of the gospel. He is remembered as a faithful servant of God who was willing to suffer and be exiled in order to preserve the integrity of the church.

St. Athanasius is also the patron saint of theology, as his writings and teachings have had a lasting impact on the development of Christian theology. He was one of the greatest minds of his time, and his works are still widely studied and revered today.

In addition, St. Athanasius is the patron saint of the defense of the faith, as he courageously stood up against the Arian heresy and defended the divinity of Christ. He was a powerful voice for the truth, and his writings and teachings inspired countless others to stand up for the faith in the face of opposition.

As the patron saint of students of theology, St. Athanasius serves as an inspiration to those who are studying the truth of the gospel and seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith. He is remembered as a great teacher and mentor who dedicated his life to sharing the truth with others.

Finally, St. Athanasius is the patron saint of Egypt, where he served as bishop of Alexandria and where his ministry and writings had a profound impact on the early Christian church. He is remembered as a champion of the faith in the face of opposition, and his legacy continues to inspire and encourage Christians around the world.

In conclusion, St. Athanasius is a powerful example of faith and courage, and his legacy continues to inspire and encourage Christians today. He is remembered as a champion of the truth, a defender of the faith, and a faithful servant of God, and his life and teachings serve as a testament to the power of the gospel.

Homily reflection on feast of St. Athanasius

The feast day of St. Athanasius is May 2nd.

St. Athanasius was a 4th century bishop and theologian of the early Christian Church. He is best known for his role in the Arian Controversy, a 4th-century Christian heresy which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. He is considered a saint by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Church and is known as “Athanasius Contra Mundum” or “Athanasius against the world” for his tireless defense of the doctrine of the Trinity and the full divinity of Jesus Christ.

On his feast day, we remember the life and legacy of St. Athanasius and the lessons we can learn from him. One of the most important things to take away from the life of St. Athanasius is his unwavering commitment to the truth of the faith, even in the face of persecution and opposition. He stood firm in his belief in the full divinity of Jesus Christ, even when it meant going against the majority of his peers.

Another important lesson we can learn from St. Athanasius is his emphasis on the importance of tradition. He believed that the faith handed down from the apostles was essential for understanding the truth of the gospel, and that any deviation from this tradition was a deviation from the truth.

We can also learn from St. Athanasius’s courage and determination in standing up for what he believed in. He was exiled five times from his see in Alexandria, Egypt for his defense of the Nicene Creed and the divinity of Jesus Christ. He never gave up his fight for the truth, even in the face of persecution and opposition.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Athanasius, let us reflect on the lessons we can learn from him, and be inspired by his example to stand up for the truth of the faith, to be grounded in tradition and to be courageous and determined in fighting for what we believe in.

In these ways, we can follow in the footsteps of St. Athanasius and become true defenders of the faith, who, as he once said, “The faith of the Church has been handed down to us from the apostles, and it is the truth.”

Saints Similar to St. Athanasius

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Cyril Methodius. St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Alexandria were significant figures in early Christian theology and the defense of orthodox Christian doctrine. They both played crucial roles in the theological controversies of their time, particularly in defending the Nicene Creed. Next up: Biography of St. Augustine

 

Also check out our handmade St. Athanasius Medal and St. Athanasius Rosary and St. Athanasius Rosary Bracelet.