Athanasius of Alexandria

Athanasius of Alexandria

 

* During his early years, he was in close contact with the monks of the desert. (wrote Life of St. Anthony) He "learned a rigid discipline that he applied to himself, and an austerity that earned him the admiration of his friends and even the respect of many of his enemies." (174)

 

"After the death of Alexander, the young Athanasius, whose purpose was to live in peace offering the sacraments and worshiping with the people, fled to the desert." After he became the bishop of Alexandria, he was welcomed and beloved by the Alexandrians, since he was "the man of the people."

 

 

* Two books: Against the Gentiles and On the Incarnation of the Word

"The presence of God in history was the central element in the faith of Athanasius. Therefore it is not surprising that he saw Arianism as a grave threat to the very heart of Christianity." (175)

 

 

* Continuing trials and struggles against the Arians during his life (175-180)

"Eusebius and other Arian leaders knew that Athanasius was their most formidable enemy. they soon began to take steps to assure his downfall, circulating rumors about him." On the basis of Eusebius' accusation, Constantine sent Athanasius away from Alexandria. during his whole life, he repeated to be exiled (by the pro-Arian emperors) and to be returned to Alexandria continuously.

 

 

* Finally, through a series of negotiation, most of the church became to support the Nicean Creed, and it was ratified at the second ecumenical council, gathered in Constantinople in 381. But Athanasius would not live to see the final victory of the cause to which he devoted most of his life. (He died in 373.)