St. Athanasius was born circa 296AD in Alexandria, Egypt, to a Greek Christian family. He received an excellent education exposing him to both classical Greek philosophy and Christian doctrine, laying the foundation for his later theological brilliance.
A delightful and formative story, recorded by the theologian Rufinus of Aquileia (ca. 345–411 AD), recounts how St. Athanasius imitated the Christian rite of baptism as a child. According to the account, young Athanasius and a group of children were playing near the sea in Alexandria when they decided to perform a mock baptism, inspired by the Christian practices they had observed. Their actions caught the attention of Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, who was watching them from a nearby window.
Curious, the Bishop summoned the children and demanded an explanation. St. Athanasius admitted that he had taken on the role of the bishop during the ceremony. Upon further questioning, Alexander was struck by the precision and reverence with which St. Athanasius had performed the rite. Deeply impressed by the boy’s knowledge and devotion, the Bishop recognised St. Athanasius’ potential for leadership within the Church, later mentoring him and introducing him to ecclesiastical affairs.
St. Athanasius served as a deacon under Bishop Alexander and soon after become his secretary, accompanying him to the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. At this landmark council, St. Athanasius distinguished himself as a staunch opponent of Arianism. After the death of Bishop Alexander in 328 AD, St. Athanasius, whom Alexander had designated as his preferred successor, was consecrated as Bishop of Alexandria. His appointment was met with strong support, marking the beginning of his influential role in defending Nicene Christianity.
During the subsequent years, St. Athanasius faced persecution for his unwavering opposition to Arianism. At the Council of Tyre in 335 AD, he successfully defended himself against all accusations. Nevertheless, his adversaries persuaded Emperor Constantine that he was the cause of discord, resulting in Emperor Constantine demanding St. Athanasius left for Trier. Following his departure, no one was appointed to succeed him as the See of Alexandria.
Upon his arrival in Trier, St. Athanasius was warmly welcomed by the local community, who continued to remember him fondly even after his departure in 337 AD, when St. Athanasius was granted permission to return to Alexandria following Constantine’s death.
Despite strong support for St. Athanasius at the 339AD Council of Alexandria, he was deposed at the 340AD Council of Antioch, and Gregory, a Cappadocian, replaced him as See of Alexandria. Gregory and his followers seized churches, causing bloodshed, resulting in St. Athanasius fleeing for Rome. Here, with the support of Pope Julius, the local council cleared him of charges. In 343AD, St. Athanasius attended the Council of Sardica, and by 345AD, Emperor Constantius allowed his return to Alexandria.
The Arian controversy resurfaced around 350AD and St. Athanasius was deposed at the Councils of Arles and Milan between 353 and 355 AD. In 356 AD, military commander Sirian was sent to arrest him, but Athanasius escaped to the desert. George, the new bishop, persecuted orthodox Christians, and Alexandria became a stronghold for Arianism under Aëtius and Eunomius.
During his exile in the desert, St. Athanasius conducted in his renowned work of apologetics. This period allowed him to write extensively in defence of orthodox Christianity against the Arian heresy. It was here he wrote one of his most important pieces of work ‘On the Incarnation’.
After his exile, St. Athanasius returned to Alexandria in 361 AD during Emperor Julian’s reign but was exiled again a year later. Following Julian’s death in 364 AD, Emperor Jovian allowed his return. However, St. Athanasius was exiled once more in 365 AD, only for the decision to be reversed quickly due to public unrest. St. Athanasius died circa. May 2 373 AD, and was succeeded by Bishop Peter.