St Athanasius: Patron Saint of Orthodoxy and Traditional Roman Catholicism

Saint Athanasius the Great (and the Apostolic), also known as Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria was a Church Elder, Bishop of Alexandria, a theologian and a major religious leader in Egypt during the 4th century.

Conflict with Bishop Arius

He is widely known for his role in the popular conflict with Arius, also a Egyptian Bishop. During a council of Nicaea (325), Catholic Saint Athanasius debated against Arius regarding his doctrine which tells about Jesus Christ being a distinct substance from the Lord God.

Reverence for various Churches

St Athanasius is not only considered a Catholic Saint; he is also honored a saint by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches as well as the Eastern Catholic Churches. He is considered a revered Church leader by the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran, and Protestants.

Chronologically, St Athanasius is the very first Church Doctor with the Roman Catholic Church’s designation - he belongs to the Great Doctors and Leaders of Eastern Church.

Feast day of St Athanasius

Christianity: May 2
Eastern Orthodox: January 18
Coptic Orthodox: May 15

Saint Athanasius is well-known for the title “Champion of Orthodoxy.” He is the Patron Saint of traditional Roman Catholics.