Saint Athanasius the Great, born in AD 295 to humble parents, was blessed with many spiritual gifts despite a lack of formal education. His devotion to the Church was evident from a young age, and he was ordained a deacon at 25 by Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria, attending the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in AD 325.
At 33, he became Patriarch of Alexandria in AD 328 and faced intense opposition from followers of Arius. Through his unwavering faith, Athanasius overcame numerous trials, including five exiles imposed by Emperor Constantine II, who supported Arianism. He passed away peacefully in AD 373.
Saint Cyril, born in AD 370 to affluent Greek parents in Alexandria, succeeded his uncle as Archbishop of Alexandria. As president of the Third Ecumenical Council in AD 431, he vehemently opposed Nestorius’ teachings on the Virgin Mary.
Cyril served as Archbishop for about 32 years until his death on June 9, AD 444, earning the title “seal of the Fathers” from Saint Anastasios of Sinai. Both Athanasius the Great and Cyril are honored on January 18 for their roles in combating Arianism and Nestorianism, respectively.
Source: vema.com.au