Ecumenical Councils Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide on Church Councils

St. Athanasius is noted for leading the fight against Arian heresy, primarily during the early 4th century. Arianism was a significant theological controversy that questioned the nature of Christ and His relationship to God the Father, asserting that the Son was created and therefore not co-eternal with the Father.

As the Bishop of Alexandria, St. Athanasius staunchly defended the doctrine of the Trinity and upheld the belief in the full divinity of Christ. He played a crucial role in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which sought to address Arianism and formulate the Nicene Creed, affirming that the Son is "true God from true God."

Athanasius' theological writings, particularly "On the Incarnation," robustly articulated the understanding of Christ's nature and opposed Arian teachings. His relentless efforts led to significant opposition and he faced numerous exiles due to his views. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to orthodox Christianity and has had a lasting impact on Christian doctrine regarding the nature of Christ.

While St. Augustine, St. Gregory, and St. Basil were influential figures in their own rights, particularly in the development of Christian theology and addressing various her