Nicene Council
St Athanasius
Life Lessons
Numbers
Miscellaneous
100

Who were the attendees?

300 Bishops, St Athanasius, Pope Alexander, Constanice I, Arius 

100

What did he study ? (5)

Scripture, philosophy, theology, Greek, Hebrew 

100

Mention some of St Athanasius influence? (5)

  • Defending the Divinity of Christ
  • Clarifying the Trinity
  • Preserving the Bible Canon 
  • Inspiring Monasticism 
  • Strengthening Christian Leadership
100

What century and around what years was St Athanasius born?

4th century. 296-298 AD

100

St Athanasius Contra Mundum 

Athanasius Against the World

200

What is Arianism?

Jesus created by God before the world began (most important human)

Jesus is not equal to the Father ( not homoousios)

Only God the father was eternal and uncreated

200

What did St Athanasius do in Exile?

  • Wrote books: defending Trinity
  • Lived among monks (The life of St Anthony)- helped spread monasticism, showed the power of prayer, fasting and spiritual discipline, inspired people to dedicate to God. 
  • Sent letters for encouragement
  • found support in Rome and western bishops
  • Trained future leaders
200

How to apply his teaching? (5)

  • Stand for the Truth, Even when it’s hard
  • Trust in God’s Plan, even in difficult times
  • commit to learning and growing in faith 
  • Live a life of prayer and holiness
  • Be a leader who inspires others
200

What year was the council of Nicea? What year did St Athanasius become a bishop?

325 AD, 328 AD

200

What are the daily activities of a monk and His monastic rules?

Daily activites: Prayer, fasting, manual labor, copying scripture, spiritual warfare
Monastic rule: obedience, silence, humility, community life

300

How is the victory of Nicene christianity get shown?

  • 381 AD council of Constantinople
                   The father, son, and holy spirit are one God in three persons
                   Jesus is fully divine just as the father
                   Arianism was officially declared a heresy
300

What are St Athanasius Writings?

  • On the incarnation: before the council
        Why Jesus had to become human to save humanity
  • Against the Arians: After the council
        Begotten not created
  • The life of St Anthony born in 251 AD
    Daily activites: Prayer, fasting, manual labor, copying scripture, spiritual warfare
    Monastic rule: obedience, silence, humility, community life
    true strength comes from spiritual discipline, prayer, devotion to God
  • Letters to Serapion
        on the Holy Spirit (Trinity)
  • The Festal Letters and the New Testament Canon
        to announce easter date and books in Bible
        in 367 AD, 39th festal letter included the list of 27 books
    Chosen based on : Apostolic origin, consistency with christian teaching, widespread use, spiritual authority
    The Gospel of Thomas (denied Jesus death on cross)
    The Gospel of Judas ( Judas as a hero)
    The Sheperd of Hermas ( Confusion about salvation)
    SEPTUAGINT - old testament
300

What are some Lessons from St. Anthony’s Life?

● Detachment from the World – True happiness comes from seeking God, not material wealth.

● Overcoming Temptation – St. Anthony’s battles with the devil remind us that faith gives us strength to endure the tribulation of the trials the devil wages against us.

● A Life of Prayer – Communing with God daily helps us grow spiritually.

● Serving Others – Even in solitude, monks helped people by offering wisdom and guidance.

300

What is the date of St Athanasius departure?

May 2, 373 AD

300

Where does the true strength come from?

true strength comes from spiritual discipline, prayer, devotion to God

400

What does the Nicene creed affirm?

  • Jesus “ begotten not made of one essence with the father
  • He is eternal just like the Father
  • The trinity consists of Father, son, and Holy spirit
400

What are the struggles that St Athanasius faced?

  • D- defend against Arianism
  • A- accused false crimes
  • T- teach who were confused by false teachings
  • E- encourage christians during persecution
  • E- Exiled 5 times
400

Impact of Bible Canon ?

  • Faith and belief
  • Morality and behavior
  • Worship and devotion
  • Defending the faith 
400

What year was St Anthony born in?

251 AD
400

what is the word that means old testament?

SEPTUAGINT - old testament

500

The impact of St Athanasius writings?

  • Defend the truth
  • Clarify the divinity of Christ
  • Guide christians
  • Preserve the integrity of scripture
500

Mention all 5 Exiles? 


  • First Exile (335-337 AD) To Tier, Germany
     Accused of interfering grain shipments to Constantinople
  • Second Exile ( 339-346 AD) to Rome (Pope Julius I)
     Constantine II ordered new bishop but council of Sardica 343AD ruled it out
  • Third Exile (356-362AD) to Egyptian Desert
     Again for an Arian bishop till Julian the Apostate got him back
  • Fourth Exile (362-363AD)
     Julian wanted paganism till died
  • Fifth Exile (365-366 AD) to near Alexandria
     Valens (arian) and was restored due to protests from the people
500

Why Was Monasticism Important?

● It preserved Christian teachings – Monks copied and protected Scripture.

● It strengthened the Church – Many Church leaders came from monastic backgrounds.

● It provided spiritual refuge – Monasteries were centers of prayer and wisdom.

● It inspired generations – The discipline of monks set an example of holiness.

500

What year did st Athanasius write " on the incarnation"? Whatyear did he write the 39th Festal letter?

319 AD, 367 AD

500

What does homoousios mean?

Jesus is equal to the father. One essence with the father. 

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