Who is St. Athanasius the Apostolic ?
St. Athanasius of Alexandria is one of the greatest fathers of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the 20th Pope of Alexandria. The Church honors him as the Apostolic because he faithfully preserved the apostolic faith during one of the most dangerous periods in Christian history.
Born in Alexandria in the late third century, St. Athanasius grew up in a Church shaped by martyrdom, prayer, and deep theological reflection. As a young deacon, he accompanied Pope Alexander to the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where he boldly defended the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ is truly God and consubstantial with the Father. This confession remains at the heart of the Nicene Creed prayed daily in the Coptic Church.
As pope, St. Athanasius endured five exiles nearly seventeen years in total because he refused to compromise the faith for political peace. Though often opposed by emperors and false teachers, he remained a steadfast shepherd to his people, choosing faithfulness over comfort. His life gave rise to the phrase Athanasius contra mundum meaning Athanasius against the world.
From a spiritual perspective, St. Athanasius teaches us that right belief and holy living cannot be separated. His close relationship with the Egyptian monastic movement, especially through his Life of St. Antony, reveals a Church rooted in prayer, fasting, humility, and perseverance. For him, theology was not abstract it was the proclamation of salvation itself.
The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates St. Athanasius on 7 Pashons (May 15), remembering him not only as a defender of doctrine, but as a father who loved Christ, guarded the faith, and shepherded his flock with courage and patience.
