(c. 296–373 AD)
Egyptian Christian patriarch. He was born in Alexandria, where he was educated and became the secretary of Patriarch Alexander, whom he succeeded in 326. Prior to his accession, he took part in the Council of Nicaea in 325, where the orthodox creed was laid down, and thereafter he became a staunch opponent of the doctrine of Arius. Athanasius was exiled from 334–337 and deposed from 340–345 and 356-61 and briefly exiled in 363 and 365 by various emperors for his views. He set the example for opposition by the patriarchs of Alexandria to imperial policy when it conflicted with their religious beliefs. He died in May 373. His surviving writings include an influential life of St. Anthony.
Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier
Ancient Egypt. A Reference Guide. EdwART. 2011.