Athanasius of Alexandria
The Staunch Defender of Orthodoxy
Athanasius of Alexandria, also known as Athanasius the Great, the Confessor, or, among Coptic Christians, Athanasius the Apostolic, was a towering figure in the 4th century. Born around 296-298 in Alexandria, Egypt, his life and work were defined by his unwavering defence of Christian orthodoxy against the Arian heresy.
Arianism challenged the divinity of Jesus Christ, asserting that he was a created being subordinate to God the Father. This view struck at the heart of Christian belief, and Athanasius emerged as its most formidable opponent.
From a young age, Athanasius displayed a keen intellect and a deep commitment to the Christian faith. He received a classical education and became the secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. As a deacon, he accompanied Alexander to the First Council of Nicaea in 325, where he played a crucial role in refuting Arianism. The Council affirmed the Nicene Creed, which declared that Jesus Christ is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.”
Following Alexander’s death in 328, Athanasius was unanimously chosen as his successor, becoming the Bishop of Alexandria. He continued the fight against Arianism with relentless vigour. His writings, characterized by their clarity, precision, and unwavering conviction, became the standard for orthodox theology.
Athanasius’s defense of the Nicene Creed came at a great personal cost. He was exiled from Alexandria five times by various Roman Emperors who favoured Arianism. These exiles, totaling over twenty years, were periods of immense hardship, but they did not deter him. He used them to write, to correspond with other bishops, and to rally support for the orthodox cause.
Athanasius’s legacy extends beyond his theological contributions. He was a pastor, a leader, and a symbol of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. His unwavering commitment to the truth, his intellectual prowess, and his pastoral heart made him one of the most revered figures in Christian history. He died in 373, leaving behind a church firmly grounded in the orthodox faith.
Athanasius’s impact on Christianity is immeasurable. He is considered a Doctor of the Church, and his writings continue to be studied and admired for their theological depth and spiritual insight. His life stands as a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring importance of defending the truth.
Collect for Athanasius of Alexandria
O God, who raised up your servant Athanasius to be a steadfast defender of the truth, and a shepherd of your flock: Grant that we, following his example, may contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and evermore rejoice in the knowledge of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Richard Meux Benson
The Passionate Evangelist of the Inner Life
Born in 1824, Benson was a man of profound spiritual depth and a tireless advocate for the revival of the religious life within the Church of England.
A graduate of Christ Church, Oxford, Benson saw a need for a return to the disciplined, communal life of religious orders, a concept largely dormant in the Anglican tradition since the Reformation.
In 1866, this yearning found its expression in the founding of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, more commonly known as the Cowley Fathers. This community, established in the parish of Cowley, Oxford, became a beacon of spiritual renewal, dedicated to prayer, study, and pastoral work. Benson, as its first Superior, instilled a spirit of fervent devotion and intellectual rigour.
Benson was no mere administrator; he was a passionate evangelist of the inner life. His writings, filled with mystical insight and practical guidance, explored the depths of spiritual experience. He emphasized the importance of contemplation, the power of the sacraments, and the centrality of Christ in the life of the believer. He was a champion of the importance of spiritual direction, and helped many to find a deeper walk with God.
His influence extended far beyond Cowley. The Cowley Fathers established missions in India, South Africa, and North America, spreading the Gospel and embodying Benson’s vision of a revitalized Anglicanism. His commitment to social justice was also evident, with the Society engaging in work among the poor and marginalized.
Benson’s legacy is one of spiritual depth, pastoral zeal, and a courageous commitment to the revival of the religious life. He died in 1915, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual writings and a thriving religious community that continues to this day. His focus on the inner life, the importance of contemplation, and the need for a deeper relationship with God resonate as strongly today as they did in his own time.
Collect for Richard Meux Benson
O God, who kindled in your servant Richard Meux Benson a fervent desire for the renewal of the religious life, and inspired him to found a community dedicated to prayer, study, and service:
Grant that we, following his example, may seek a deeper communion with you, and be strengthened to proclaim your Gospel to the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
