
and Libya) it was greeted with loud cheers and the general approval of the crowds who heard the news. He had been the secretary of the previous Patriarch--Alexander of Alexandria--and had established himself as one of the most highly respected theologians within the Faith while serving the Church in that position. Alexander had died and Athanasius was the logical successor. As Patriarch, Athanasius did something surprising but important: he traveled constantly through his territory to build relationships with priests and lay people wherever he might find hospitality. He became intimately connected with the people he had been called to guide and shepherd and this strengthened his ability to speak truthfully and powerfully to them. They listened to Athanasius because he had demonstrated his love for them and not simply his enjoyment of power and privilege. In fact, it was the case--and it seemed to be the case to the people--that Athanasius was more interested in the pastoral care responsibilities of his position than in any influence or status that the position gave him. His love for the people and their love for him was well known and attested to. So, when he was exiled from Egypt by Constantine it came as a surprise.
Near the end of his life he was able to return once again to Alexandria to be the official Patriarch. He was welcomed by the people of the Church and so he continued his pastoral care among those who had missed him in his exile. Instead of using his regained power to punish those who had hurt him, though, Athanasius convened a council focused on establishing unity among Christians even if they differed theologically. He could have done what many before him had done and convened a council with a carefully selected guest list to banish, punish, exile, and hurt those who had hurt him. Instead, he took the first step toward reconciliation because he knew that the burden for peace and unity rested squarely on his shoulders as Patriarch. This council was instrumental in beginning the process of defining the Trinity and bringing peace between groups of disagreeing Christians. Ultimately, Athanasius was willing to agree to a more relaxed definition of the Trinity than he personally professed because of his own eagerness to find peace amid turmoil and unity amid strife. Shortly after the council he was again exiled--first by Julian the Apostate and second by Valens--but he only went so far as a little ways north into the desert to be with the monastics--including Pachomius. He died in the territory he had been called to shepherd still writing letters and caring for those that God had entrusted into his loving arms. His many theological writings and treatises earned him the status of Doctor of the Church and remain widely read even today.
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