Introduction and the importance of Saint Athanasius
Pope Shenouda speaks about the center preserving his heritage then presents Saint Athanasius the Apostolic as one of the most important figures in the history of the Church, and refers to his title “the father of theological science” and his role as the champion of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.

His historical positions and status
He explains that he was a deacon but advanced above all in mental and theological maturity, and he strongly defended the faith against Arianism, and contributed to composing the Nicene Creed.

His works and books
He mentions his main books: “On the Incarnation”, “The Apology to the Heathen” and “The Life of Anthony” and describes the book of the Incarnation as the greatest book on the Incarnation and a book that combines theological depth and practical spirituality.

His service, church founding, and missionary activity
He points to his sending the first bishop to Ethiopia (Frumentius) and his founding of the Ethiopian Church, and to his annual letters at Easter which he used to write continuously.

His persecution, exiles, and steadfastness
He discusses the exposure to persecution and repeated exile by Arius, the Arians and even by some unjust councils, and highlights his steadfastness and spiritual strength so that when the whole world condemned him he said: “I am against the world”, hence he was called “contra mundum” (against the world).

His spiritual influence and discipleship
He mentions that he was a spiritual disciple of Saint Anthony the Great, and that his book on the life of Anthony had a great effect on the spread of monasticism and on the conversion of figures like Augustine.

His legacy and translations
He points out that he has many books that were not fully translated, and that there are partial translation collections of his important books, and he affirms that belonging to Athanasius is considered a virtue and a guiding spirit for the Church.

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