His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the life and service of Saint Athanasius the Apostolic and focuses on his genius and youth in defending the Orthodox faith.

His Genius and Youth

The Pope mentions that Athanasius from his youth was strong in faith and of steadfast mind; he wrote great books in theology, most famous among them the book “The Incarnation of the Word” and a letter to the pagans, and his writings spread into many languages.

His Role at the Council of Nicaea and Fighting Arianism

It appears that Athanasius participated actively in the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and was one of the champions against the heresy of Arius, and his knowledge and sound judgment were greater than many of the metropolitans and bishops at that time.

His Early Patriarchate

Athanasius was chosen patriarch of the Merqosian see while young, about thirty years or a little less, and he sat on the throne and remained in defending the faith for a long period—about forty-five years—establishing the community in the truth.

His Wide Standing and the Churches’ Esteem

The Pope points out that Athanasius became recognized worldwide, and his theology laid a foundation for the theological tradition, so that the churches agreed to build their theology on figures like Athanasius and Cyril.

Spiritual Conclusion

From his life we learn the example of steadfastness in the truth no matter what is said against us, and from his early genius we learn that the Holy Spirit grants knowledge and strength to whoever uses them for the service of Christ and the Church.

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