St Athanasius

     St Athanasius is a fourth century Bishop, Theologian and Doctor of the Church. Remember, when it says "doctor of the church", it means healer and guide in a sense that great people have given us doctrine of important teachings to follow and guide us in the knowledge of the Church's purpose and beliefs, and all that we represent with our Faith. His purpose was to defend Christ's Divinity against false teachings, and in his time which was Arianism. Arianism is the belief that Jesus Christ is "not" call Eternal or Consubstantial with God the Father. Which of course, is not true. The Blessed Trinity is unified as "one". It always has and always will be. Great Saint Athanasius, a learned scholar and theologian fought bravely to teach against this falsehood of Arianism. He was exiled five times by Roman emperors for his refusal to compromise on the Faith. He is often called a "pillar of the Church" and "champion of Christ". It would be good for us to listen and follow the guides of these great doctors, that God Himself has sent us, to instruct us in Faith and example of what our Faith should mean to us, and how to defend and uphold its Truth.

     St Athanasius is instrumental in finalizing the Orthodox understanding of the Trinity. He is honored by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox. 

     Celebrate him today as May 2nd is his Feast day, recalling his death on this day, after spending 45 years of teaching, with which 17 of those years were spent in exile, which was given to him to stop his teachings. As you can see, that didn't work. He will be forever remembered as a "great doctor of the Church" and a stable anchor to our Faith.

     St Athanasius, pray for us!