Today was like no other as of late. I was driving to myVolunteer situation, early in the 'wee' hours without any chance to attend Mass today. I tried to make the best of the prayer time allotted for this day, I played & prayed the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet per CD.
Now at this late time of the day I decided to see the friends of God listed for today. Well, we have one of the first great champions of the Faith- St. Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor of the Church. He was born about 295 of Christian parents. Educated under Alexander, later Bishop of his native city.
In 315, Athanasius became a hermit in the desert with the great hermit St. Anthony & remained in the desert about 2 yrs. He became a Deacon and even in this capacity he was called upon to be active against the rising heresy of Arius. Arius an ambitious priest in the Alexandrian Church denied the Divinity of Christ ( sounds like many today). For St. Athanasius this battle was for his lifetime.
At the Council of Nicaea, 325, his influence began to be felt. St. Athanasius became Bishop after the death of Alexander. Many trials & persecutions came to St. Athanasius because of his refusal to tolerate the Arian heresy. He spent 17 years in exile during his 46 yrs. of his Episcopate. He died May 2, 373 after a life of trials, sufferings and gaining a life of virtue.
How we need the intercession of St. Athanasius in this era & champions of the Faith to stand up.
Lord bless me with a portion of this Saint's faith for today and always!
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1 comment:
He was a great saint. I think he was even a little pre-Franciscan!
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