Saint Athanasius was born in Alexandria and was given to the temple to serve God. In 319, he was ordained as a deacon, and in 326, after the death of Patriarch Alexander, he became the Archbishop of Alexandria. He actively fought against the heresy of Arianism, speaking at the Nicene Council in 325. Under pressure from the Arians and Emperor Constantine the Great, who wavered between Orthodoxy and Arianism, the saint often faced persecution and exile, spending much of his time in exile.
Saint Athanasius was accused of various crimes, including witchcraft and murder, but all accusations were refuted. He demonstrated steadfastness and courage in defending the Orthodox faith despite the persecutions. After the death of Constantine the Great and the rise to power of Constantius, who supported the Arians, the saint was once again forced to flee to Rome.
By God's will, after the death of the heretics and the emperor, the saint returned to Alexandria and continued to lead the Church. He passed away on May 2, 373, at the age of 76, leaving behind a significant legacy in the struggle for Orthodoxy and the defense of the true faith.
