Athanasius was a young, African deacon when he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. As a young man, Athanasius had studied at the feet of ancient desert fathers like Anthony of Egypt and became a respected theologian. At age 19, Athanasius wrote “On the Incarnation,” a profound reflection on the incarnation of Jesus Christ that continues to inspire readers today. At the Council of Nicaea, Athanasius was instrumental in influencing the language used by the Council as it crafted the Nicene Creed. This thorough, creedal summary of the Apostolic faith has remained a uniting statement for all Christians throughout the centuries. Athanasius later became Bishop of Alexandria and was sent into exile five different times when power elite within the church and the Roman Empire refused to accept the teachings of the Council of Nicaea. Because of his stalwart defense of the Apostolic faith, Athanasius has been remembered since his death as a “Pillar of the Church” and as “Athanasius Contra Mundum” (“Athanasius Against the World”), suffering to uphold the faith in a century when the state and even the church leadership sought to undermine it.
Almighty God, you gave your servant Athanasius special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth revealed in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.