Memorial of Saint Athanasius

This doctor of the church, famous for his understanding of and writing about the Incarnation, became bishop of his hometown, Alexandria, Egypt, when he was in his early 30s. As metropolitan patriarch for 45 years, he fought the heresy of Arius, a well-educated Alexandrian priest; ran afoul of three emperors and was exiled multiple times; and defended church unity despite long-standing difficulties with other bishops. He improved spirituality in his diocese, increased vocations, preached and wrote many letters, as well as a life of Antony of Egypt, a classic about ascetic and monastic life. Venerated from the time of his death in both East and West, he is the patron saint of hagiographers. .

Under five emperors and by exile on five different occasions, Saint Athanasius gave testimony to the truth of the Catholic position. His allegiance to the Church never wavered, his courage never weakened. Athanasius was the Church’s greatest hero in the battle against Arianism (a heresy that denied Christ’s divinity). Athanasius enriched Christian literature with many important works, some pointed toward piety and edification, others polemical and dogmatic in nature. He ruled the Church of Alexandria for forty-six years.

Franciscan Media offers us an audio recording of the Story of the Saint Athanasius.

Join us at any one of our participating parishes in the ADW area for Mass on this Feast day. Please contact the parish directly to confirm Mass times and more detailed information.

USCCB’S DAILY READING MORE INFORMATION.  parish and mass times finder