Saint Athanasius was born in Alexandria in 296-298. He was a bishop of Alexandria and is regarded as one of the 4 great Eastern Doctors of the Church. He defended Christian Orthodoxy against Arianism, the heresy that Jesus was a creature like the Father but not of the same substance thus denying the Trinity and Jesus being consubstantial with the Father. He was also the first person to list the 27 books of the New Testament Canon that are in use today. While defending the Faith he fled five times for fear of his life before returning to Alexandria where he died in 373.
Let us ask St. Athanasius to pray for us when we are facing heresies against our Faith and for strength to defend it throughout our lives.
St. Athanasius, pray for us!
Feast Day: May 2
Birth: 296-298
Death: 373
Patron Saint: Defense of Faith
