Background
Athanasius, known in his lifetime as the "Father of Orthodoxy," was the greatest champion of the Church's doctrine of the Incarnation. Brought into early contact with the ecclesiastical authorities of Alexandria, his wisdom impressed the bishop, Alexander, who made him his secretary and a member of his household.
Athanasius accompanied Alexander to the Council convoked at Nicea in 325 against Arius and Arianism. This council used the term "homoousios" against Arianism to express the character of orthodox belief in the person of Christ, by defining Him to be identical in substance or co-essential with the Father, hence truly God. The abilities of the youthful Athanasius displayed in the Nicean debates, his courage, and his sincerity distinguished him, and he was chosen Bishop of Alexandria.
Some time afterwards Eusebius, the Arian Bishop of Nicomedia, began to intrigue against Athanasius, alleging various ecclesiastical and political charges, which were, however, clearly refuted. Nevertheless, Athanasius was exiled in February 336 to TrèvesTreves where he remained for over two and a half years.
Exiled on three other occasions through the intrigues of the Eusebians, Athanasius nevertheless managed to be present in his see for various periods, the longest being from 346 to 356. Only in the last year of his life did he hold comparatively tranquil possession of his see. His chief dogmatical work, devoted to affirming the divinity of Christ, was Discourses against the Arians (c. 356-359). He is thought to have also written a Life of St. Antony and several treatises and sermons.
