Saint Athanasius and Nicene Creed

Saint Athanasius and the Arian Heresies

BEFORE THE COUNCIL

• Athanasius AD 293-373; Greek parents of Alexandria, Northern Africa
• Constantine AD 306-337
• Edict of Milan AD 313, authorizing Christianity
• AD 321 the Patriarch Alexander called a Synod to deal with the teachings of the presbyter Arius of Antioch
• Athanasius in his mid-20s was a deacon serving Bishop Alexander during the synod.
  

ARIUS TAUGHT

1. “There was a time when he [the Son] was not”
2. The Son is not begotten of the same essence of the Father
3. The Son is a creature
4. The Son is the first and most exalted creature
5. The Son may only be called “God” as an extension of God (modalism)
6. His will is created and fallible. Therefore, the Son could commit sin.*
   

COUNCIL OF NICEA – AD 325

• 318 bishops at the council (“318” in Greek = TIH symbolizing “the Cross & Jesus”)
• Emperor Constantine presided (voice without vote)
• Bishop Ossius of Cordoba was the advisor to the emperor
• Nicene Creed adopted after much debate
  

AFTER THE COUNCIL

• Arius exiled – AD 326
• Alexander, the Patriarch died AD 328
• Athanasius became bishop Alexandria AD 328
• Arius returned from exile AD 334
• Athanasius exiled AD 335
• Definition of Chalcedon AD 451 affirmed and further clarified the Son’s full humanity and full divinity
  

*Regarding impeccability & immutability of Christ: Jn 8:29; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 Jn 3:5; 2 Cor 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 13:8. Also: Constantinople II, AD 553

SOURCES
The Greek Fathers – Adrian Fortescue
The First Seven Ecumenical Councils – Leo D Davis
Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma – Ludwig Ott
Ye Are the Body – Bonnel Spencer