St. Athanasius' life
In what city was St. Athanasius born and raised, and what role did this city play in shaping his theological education?
Alexandria; it was a major intellectual and religious hub where he learned Greek, Hebrew, Scripture, and philosophy
What year was the Council of Nicaea held and who called it?
325 AD; Emperor Constantine
What does John 1:1–3 and 1:14 say about “The Word,” and how does this prove Jesus is God?
“The Word” was with God and was God; Jesus, as the Word, created all things
What did Arius believe about Jesus' nature, and how did the Church respond?
Arius taught Jesus was created; the Church declared He is eternal and of one essence with the Father
Who was St. Anthony the Great, and why did he go to live in the desert?
A wealthy Egyptian who gave up everything to live in solitude and pray
What major role did St. Athanasius take on in 328 AD, and how old was he approximately?
He became Bishop of Alexandria; he was around 30 years old
What was the main teaching that the Church rejected at this council, and what did this teaching claim?
Arianism; it claimed Jesus was created and not eternal
In Colossians 1:15–17, Jesus is called “firstborn.” What does that mean and what else does the verse say He created?
“Firstborn” means rank/authority; He created all things and holds all together
Arians misused verses like Proverbs 8:22 and Colossians 1:15. What were their arguments, and what is the correct interpretation?
Arians cited Proverbs 8:22 (“created me”) and Colossians 1:15 (“firstborn”)—but “created” was poetic, and “firstborn” means rank
What is The Life of St. Anthony, and how did it influence Christianity in both the East and West?
A biography written by St. Athanasius that spread monastic ideals and inspired people to seek holiness
How many times was St. Athanasius exiled, and name at least two places he went during those exiles
He was exiled five times; he fled to places like Trier (Germany), Rome, and the Egyptian desert
What Greek word was used in the Nicene Creed to affirm Jesus' equality with the Father, and what does it mean?
Homoousios; Greek for “of the same essence.”
According to Philippians 2:6–11, how did Jesus humble Himself—and what does this say about His divine status?
Jesus humbled Himself even to death, but He was always equal with God. He chose humility, not inferiority
Jesus said “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). What did Arians argue, and how did the Church refute it?
Arians said Jesus was lesser; the Church said He spoke from His humanity, not denying His divinity
Describe at least three practices or values of early monastic life that monks followed in the desert
Prayer, fasting, copying Scripture, silence, humility, manual labor
What nickname was given to St. Athanasius for his unshakable stand against false teaching? What does it mean?
“Athanasius Contra Mundum”—meaning “Athanasius Against the World,” for standing firm when others gave in
Who were the main figures involved in the council on both sides of the debate, and what role did Athanasius play?
Bishop Alexander, Arius, and Deacon Athanasius who powerfully defended Jesus’ divinity
Match each of these to their message: Hebrews 1:3, John 3:16, John 20:28
Hebrews 1:3 → Jesus is God's exact image; John 3:16 → God sent His Son to save; John 20:28 → Thomas calls Jesus God
What does Mark 13:32 say that Arians used to deny Jesus’ divinity? How did St. Athanasius explain this?
“Not even the Son knows the hour”—Athanasius said Jesus chose not to reveal it during His human mission
What was the 39th Festal Letter, and why was it important to the New Testament canon?
A letter in 367 AD listing the 27 books of the New Testament—still used today
Describe two key reasons why St. Athanasius was such an influential leader during the Arian controversy
He was well-educated and courageous, defended the Trinity, and wrote clearly for both clergy and common people
What is the Nicene Creed? Name two of its key affirmations about Christ
It’s a summary of Christian belief stating that Jesus is “begotten, not made” and “true God from true God.”
Name two more verses outside of the Gospels that affirm Jesus’ divinity and explain what they show
Acts 20:28 (“God’s blood purchased the Church”), Matthew 28:19 (Jesus is named with the Father and Holy Spirit)
Give three reasons from the Bible why Jesus must be fully God in order to save humanity
Only God can forgive sins (Mark 2), defeat death (John 11), atone for all sins (1 John 2), transform hearts (2 Cor. 5), and perfectly reveal God (Hebrews 1)
Name at least two major writings of St. Athanasius and explain how each one contributed to Church history and theology
On the Incarnation—explained why Jesus had to be God to save us. Against the Arians—refuted false teachings and defended Nicene faith