Today
we remember and give thanks for Athanasius of Alexandria, Pastor and
Confessor. Athanasius was born in
Alexandria in Egypt in A.D. 295. He served as a church leader in a time of
great controversy and ecclesiastical disagreements. At the Council of Nicaea in
325, he defended Christian orthodoxy against the proponents of the Arian
heresy, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. During his 45-year
tenure as bishop of Alexandria,
Athanasius wrote numerous works that defended the orthodox teaching. His
enemies had him exiled five times; on two occasions he was almost murdered. Yet
Athanasius remained steadfast and ended his days restored fully
to his church responsibilities. The Athanasian Creed, though not composed by
Athanasius, is named in his honor because it confesses the doctrinal orthodoxy
he championed throughout his life.
Collect of the Day:
Almighty
God, you gave to your servant Athanasius special gifts of grace to understand
and teach the truth of Jesus Christ.
Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and
receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
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