Fourth-century bishop of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church who defended the divinity of Christ against Arianism.
Life
Athanasius was born around 296 in Alexandria, Egypt. As a young deacon assisting Bishop Alexander, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325, and in 328 he became bishop of Alexandria.
Throughout his life he defended the Nicene faith against the Arians, who denied that the Son is true God, of the same substance as the Father. Under pressure from emperors and opponents, he was exiled five times and spent many years away from his see. He wrote On the Incarnation and the Life of Anthony, and in a letter of 367 listed the twenty-seven books of today's New Testament. He died in Alexandria in 373.
Spirituality
Athanasius's spirituality is unshakable faith in the Word made flesh. He taught that God became man so that we might share in God's own life, and for this truth he willingly endured hardship and loneliness.
Reflection
Athanasius held to the truth even when the majority opposed him. Truth is not decided by majority vote. Do I have the courage to cling to the truth of faith when it is unpopular?