On This Day In Roman History, February 21
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria returns to his episcopal hometown at Alexandria after a series of edicts by Emperor Julian on February 21, 362 CE. This return from exile was actually Anthasansius' 3rd of 5 total exiles. This most recent third exile was brought upon by an appointment of an Arian bishop to the see of Alexandria known as George of Cappadocia. Athanasius would be forced to flee the city and retreat to the safety of the broad expanse of deserts in Upper Egypt. Here he would write several notable letters including "Apology to Constantius" and "Apology for his Flight". Athanasius was a supporter of Trinitarianism, and one of its most prolific defenders. He supported this over the dominant sect of Christianity, Arianism. The edicts that Julian had introduced allowed more freedom for Athanasius in the form of suppressing the Arians, which were the most popular Christians. It was during this time Athanasius was able to re-bolster his beliefs, which was most importantly in the form of the Creed of Niceae. His fourth exile would come in the following year when Julian further disposed of Christian institutions, this time it being Athanasius and his Trinitarianism.
Did you know?
Gregory of Nazianzus, a prevalent 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, considered him the "Pillar of the Church" only a few years after his death. He is labeled today as the "Father of Orthodoxy". He is venerated by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Churches, as well as in the Anglican Communion. His Latin nickname was "Athanasius Contra Mundum" which translates to "Athanasius against the world". This was particularly true due to his number of exiles and direct struggle against the Emperors Constantine, Constantius II, Julian and Valens.
Pictured: Saint Athanasius and Cyril of Jerusalem (one of Anthanasius' greatest supporters). Athanasius of Alexandria asks questions, Cyril of Jerusalem responds. A 17th-century depiction, via Wikimedia Commons.
Athanasius was a contemporary "bestselling author" during his time alive. One of his most important works was titled Life of Anthony and covered the life of the Egyptian-born Christian monk Saint Anthony. Being so immensely popular, it help spread the ascetic ideals that Athanasius believed in both the Eastern and Western Christian churches. I have decided to also include an excerpt from his most famous Festal Letter which he wrote during his exiles. "I know moreover that not only this thing saddens you, but also the fact that while others have obtained the churches by violence, you are meanwhile cast out from your places. For they hold the places, but you the Apostolic Faith. They are, it is true, in the places, but outside of the true Faith; while you are outside the places indeed, but the Faith, within you. Let us consider whether is the greater, the place or the Faith. Clearly the true Faith. Who then has lost more, or who possesses more? He who holds the place, or he who holds the Faith?"
Opinion
Welcome to my daily opinion! This guy wrote a lot of stuff, and it really helps to paint the picture of how early Christianity was forming into what it is today. This guy was a serious figure in terms of Christian history and this is proven by being venerated by so many churches. venerated by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Churches, as well as in the Anglican Communion?! Go ahead and find someone with a similar or more impressive resume, you will be pretty hard pressed. While I am not particularly interested in the nitty-gritty theological debates happening within the Christian sects during this time, there is no doubt the historical value this man provides is immense, and as a writer of history, I salute him.
Sources
A., Schaff, P., Wace, H., Robertson, A. & A. (1994). Athanasius: select works and letters. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.
Barnes, T. D. (2004). Athanasius and Constantius: theology and politics in the Constantinian Empire. New York: ACLS History E-Book Project.
Hardy, E. R. (2006). Christology of the later Fathers. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press.
Hefele, C. J. (2007). History of the councils of the church: from the original documents, to the close of the second century. Place of publication not identified: Wipf & Stock.
Further Reading:
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