The Catholic Church remembers Saint Athanasius of Alexandria every May 2considered father of the Church of the East and doctor in this matterin addition to acting as bishop of the 3rd and 4th centuries in his city of birth. He was one of the most important figures of the first centuries of Christianitythanks to your strong defense of orthodoxy.
For his fidelity to the doctrine, Saint Athanasius was a victim of persecution and suffered exile on repeated occasions. However, He never gave up proclaiming Christ nor separated from the Church. during his lifetime.
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria had an important training in philosophy, grammar and theologyin addition to master Greek in its different variants. From young man showed talent for writinga gift that he later knew how to use as theologian and pastor of souls; His first two writings were “Against the Pagans” and the “Incarnation of the Word.”
Athanasius became famous for the controversy against the “Arians” or “Arianists”. This doctrine, described as heretical, was authored by Arius, presbyter of northern Alexandriawho maintained that Christ was not true God but an exceptional creature but by no means eternal.
In the middle of that dispute over their beliefs, Saint Athanasius died on May 2, 373after having served as bishop for 45 years and after having spent a total of 18 years away from his homeland and its headquarters.
Prayer to ask for the grace of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria
Oh Virgin,
your glory surpasses
all created things.
¿What is there that can be similar?
to your nobility, mother of the Word God?
¿Who will I compare you to?
oh Virgin, among all creation?
Exalted are the angels of God
and the archangels,
but how much you surpass them, María!
Angels and archangels
serve with fear of that
that lives in your bosom,
and they do not dare to speak to him;
you, however, talk to him freely.
We say that the cherubim are exalted,
but you are much more excellent than them:
the cherubs hold
the throne of God;
you, however,
you hold God himself in your arms.
The seraphim are before God,
but you are more present than them;
the seraphim cover their faces with their wings
not being able to contemplate perfect glory;
You, however, not only contemplate his face,
but you caress her and fill her holy mouth with milk.
Amen.
