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Glite Dictionary
St. Athanasius

St. Athanasius

9.9
An early Greek church leader from Alexandria who defended Christian beliefs and is called a saint
  • proper noun
translation icon : San Atanasio
  • St. Athanasius was renowned for his vigorous defense of Christian doctrine against Arian beliefs.

Examples

  • Many Christians admire St. Athanasius for his theological contributions.

  • Many churches around the world celebrate the feast day of St. Athanasius on May 2.

  • The writings of St. Athanasius are still influential among theologians today.

  • Did St. Athanasius really oppose Arianism?

  • St. Athanasius wrote extensively about the nature of St. Athanasius and the Trinity.

  • Many theologians regard St. Athanasius as a pivotal figure in the development of Christian doctrine.

  • The teachings of St. Athanasius continue to influence Christian thought to this day.

Synonyms

Athanasius
vsSt. Athanasius
2 9.9

A Christian leader in Alexandria who defends the church against the Arians

mentions broader recognition including Doctor status beyond a single church
Athanasius the Great
vsSt. Athanasius
9.9

A Greek church leader in the 300s who defended the idea that Jesus is fully God

lists the same official honors without using the honorific title

Surface Forms

St. Athanasius main

Morphology

St. + Athanasius

The element 'St.' is an honorific abbreviation for 'Saint' and combined with the proper name 'Athanasius' simply identifies a saintly person named Athanasius, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it refers to that saint. Detailed biographical or theological information (patriarchal role, dates, doctrinal activity) cannot be derived from the parts, but the basic referential meaning is fully compositional and predictable.

Etymology

St. Athanasius was a fourth-century bishop from Alexandria who strongly defended the Christian belief that Jesus is fully God against groups who said otherwise. People remember him as a brave church leader who would not give up, so his name stands for the saint who 'defended' Christian teaching.