This biography on Saint Athanasius, the Patriarch of Alexandria, is part of Mike Aquilina's series on the Church Fathers. I have previously reviewed his first book in this series, "Saint Irenaeus.”
This is a very lively book that serves as an introduction to the life and works of this Church Father from Egypt. Saint Athanasius was deeply involved in countering the Arian heresy through his actions and writings. He was a deacon and a major aide to Alexander (d. 328), the Patriarch of Alexandria, and was with him at the Council of Nicaea in 325. The Council focused on the Arian heresy and other issues, but Arianism was the major threat to Church unity. Saint Athanasius succeeded Alexander as patriarch and had to continue the fight against Arianism. Aquilina describes what this heresy is and narrates the story of Saint Athanasius's efforts to uphold orthodoxy.
Saint Athanasius was exiled from Alexandria five times due to this heresy. He visited other orthodox bishops and had their support, especially those in the West, including the Pope. Many of the Eastern bishops were not as united in orthodoxy as those in the West. One of Saint Athanasius's tools to combat Arianism was sarcasm and tenacity. He not only had to contend with Arians in church positions but also with emperors of the Roman Empire who were influenced by Arians and exiled Saint Athanasius.
Saint Athanasius is famous not only for his defense of orthodoxy but also for writing the biography of Saint Anthony (or Antony) of the Desert, "the Father of Monasticism." He had ample free time during his exiles to write commentaries, sermons and many letters. Aquilina presents some of these throughout the book. Other materials from writers of Saint Athanasius's time are provided to serve as background information for what Aquilina presents.
Once again, this is a very lively introduction to the life and works of Saint Athanasius. He has been called the "Father of Orthodoxy" and "the Great." The book does not include illustrations or maps, but a map would be helpful to show the places the saint had to travel. The book does include endnotes and a bibliography. It is highly recommended for those interested in early Church history, the Church Fathers, and theology. Aquilina's book on Saint Augustine is also excellent and comes highly recommended.
Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., Saint Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.