# Athanasius of Alexandria

> Pope of Alexandria from 328 to 373 (296–373)

**Wikidata**: [Q44024](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44024)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasius_of_Alexandria)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/athanasius-of-alexandria

## Summary
Athanasius of Alexandria was a Pope of Alexandria from 328 to 373, serving as a theologian, writer, and Catholic priest. He is best known for his defense of the Nicene Creed and his contributions to Christian theology, particularly in the development of the Athanasian Creed.

## Biography
- Born: 296
- Nationality: Ancient Rome
- Education: Affiliated with the Catechetical School of Alexandria
- Known for: Authoring the Athanasian Creed and defending Trinitarian doctrine
- Employer(s): Pope of Alexandria (328–373), Catechetical School of Alexandria
- Field(s): Theology, Christian doctrine

## Contributions
- **Athanasian Creed (4th century)**: A foundational Christian statement of belief focused on Trinitarian doctrine and Christology, which became a cornerstone of Christian theology.
- **Defense of Nicene Creed**: Athanasius wrote extensively to uphold the Nicene Creed against Arianism, solidifying its place in Christian orthodoxy.

## FAQs
**What was Athanasius of Alexandria known for?**
Athanasius is known for his theological writings, particularly the Athanasian Creed, and his defense of the Nicene Creed against Arianism.

**Where did Athanasius of Alexandria work?**
He served as Pope of Alexandria from 328 to 373 and was affiliated with the Catechetical School of Alexandria.

**What is the Athanasian Creed?**
The Athanasian Creed is a Christian statement of belief focused on Trinitarian doctrine and Christology, authored by Athanasius.

## Why They Matter
Athanasius of Alexandria's work had a profound impact on Christian theology, particularly in shaping the Athanasian Creed, which remains a foundational document in Christian belief. His defense of the Nicene Creed against Arianism helped solidify Christian orthodoxy, influencing generations of theologians and shaping the theological landscape of the early Church.

## Notable For
- Author of the Athanasian Creed, a key document in Christian theology.
- Pope of Alexandria from 328 to 373, overseeing theological and doctrinal matters.
- Affiliated with the Catechetical School of Alexandria, contributing to early Christian education.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Athanasius was born in 296. He received his education at the Catechetical School of Alexandria, a prominent institution for Christian theological training in the 2nd–4th centuries.

### Theological Contributions
Athanasius is most renowned for his theological writings, particularly the **Athanasian Creed**, which he composed to defend the Nicene Creed against Arianism. His works played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine and remain influential in theological discussions today.

### Leadership and Influence
As Pope of Alexandria, Athanasius held significant authority over theological matters in the region. His defense of the Nicene Creed and his theological writings had a lasting impact on Christian theology, influencing subsequent generations of theologians.

### Legacy
Athanasius of Alexandria's contributions to Christian theology are enduring. The Athanasian Creed, which he authored, remains a foundational document in Christian belief, and his defense of the Nicene Creed helped solidify Christian orthodoxy. His work continues to be studied and referenced in theological discussions.

### Connections and Collaborations
Athanasius worked alongside figures such as **Epiphanius of Salamis**, another influential 4th-century Christian bishop and saint, though specific collaborations are not detailed in the source material.

### Cultural Impact
Athanasius is commemorated in various churches and monuments, including **St. Athanasius' Church, Moscopole** in Albania, **Saint Athanasius of Mouzakis Church** in Greece, and **Sant'Atanasio** in Rome. These sites reflect his enduring legacy in Christian history and theology.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3404700318.html)
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
5. Mirabile: Digital Archives for Medieval Culture
6. Perseus Catalog
7. Library of the World's Best Literature
8. CiNii Research
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Calendarium Romanum Generale (1969)
12. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index1.html)
13. general catalog of BnF
14. CONOR.SI
15. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints
16. Enciclopedia Treccani
17. LIBRIS. 2012
18. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php)
19. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
20. Provenio
21. HMML Authority File
22. Digital Scriptorium Catalog