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Feast Day: July 3
Saint Anatolius of Alexandria, also known as Anatolius of Laodicea, was a renowned scientist, philosopher, scholar, teacher, and writer in the early Christian era. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of others. His dedication to learning was exemplified by his extensive writings, with ten books solely dedicated to mathematics, earning him great acclaim in academic circles. Anatolius not only excelled in his intellectual pursuits but also held several government positions in Alexandria. His thirst for knowledge was matched by his deep religious conviction and humility. He found ignorance to be repugnant, and he made it his mission to educate the poor and underprivileged, believing that knowledge was the key to their upliftment. In 263, during a rebellion against Roman authorities, Alexandria was besieged, resulting in widespread starvation among both the rebels and innocent citizens who were not involved in the uprising. Anatolius, known for his diplomatic skills, approached the Romans and successfully negotiated the release of non-combatants, including children, women, the sick, and the elderly. His intervention saved many lives and earned him the reputation of a peacemaker. However, Anatolius found himself caught between enemies after the rebellion ended. With enemies on both sides of the conflict, he decided to leave Alexandria behind and immigrated to Caesarea, Palestine. His scholarly reputation and devout Christian beliefs had already preceded him, and he was welcomed as an assistant and advisor to the local bishop. In 268, while en route to the Council of Antioch, Anatolius passed through Laodicea, Syria. The bishop of Laodicea, Saint Eusebius, had recently passed away, and the community saw Anatolius' arrival as a divine sign. They insisted that he become their bishop, recognizing his wisdom and spiritual leadership. Anatolius accepted their request and took on the responsibility of leading the flock in Laodicea. For the remaining fifteen years of his life, Anatolius dedicated himself to his role as bishop, guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of his congregation. His influence as a scholar and Christian leader was profound, and his writings on various theological subjects helped shape the understanding of the faith in his time. Saint Anatolius of Alexandria died in Laodicea, Syria in 283 of natural causes. His veneration as a saint began shortly after his death, and his canonization occurred in the pre-congregation era. While he is not widely recognized as a patron saint of a specific cause, his example of combining intellectual pursuits with deep religious faith and philanthropy continues to inspire people around the world. Saint Anatolius is often depicted as a bishop, holding globes that symbolize his scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as books representing his scholarly writings. His feast day is celebrated on July 3rd in the Catholic Church, honoring his significant contributions to the pursuit of knowledge, spiritual leadership, and his compassion towards the poor and marginalized.