Supplicatory Canon and Akathist to Saint Athanasius the Great

Athanasius was a Christian theologian a Church Father the chief defender of Trinitarianism against Arianism and a noted Egyptian Christian leader of the fourth century. Conflict with Arius and Arianism as well as with successive Roman emperors shaped Athanasius' career. In 325 at age 27 Athanasius began his leading role against the Arians as a deacon and assistant to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria during the First Council of Nicaea. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great had convened the council in May-August 325 to address the Arian position that the Son of God Jesus of Nazareth is of a distinct substance from the Father.