Saint Polius of Mauretania

Biography

Saint Athanasius of Jerusalem, also known as Atanasio, was a devout deacon in Jerusalem during the 5th century. He is remembered for his fierce dedication to the orthodox teachings of the Catholic Church and his unwavering support for the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. During this time, a controversy arose in the Church concerning the appointment of bishops. Theodosius, a heretic, had wrongfully deposed Saint Juvenal as the bishop of Jerusalem and had taken his place. Athanasius, being a loyal servant of the Church, was deeply troubled by this unlawful act. In his passion for upholding the true faith, Athanasius fearlessly spoke out against Theodosius and denounced him as a heretic. He firmly believed in the rightful authority of Saint Juvenal and advocated for the restoration of his rightful position as bishop of Jerusalem. Athanasius' outspokenness and refusal to compromise drew the attention of the authorities. He was eventually arrested, subjected to brutal scourging, and ultimately martyred for his steadfast commitment to orthodoxy. It is said that he met his death through beheading, a common method of execution during that time. The martyrdom of Athanasius occurred in the year 462. Although he faced severe persecution and suffered martyrdom, his unwavering faith and loyalty to the Catholic Church left a lasting impression on the faithful. While there are no iconic representations attributed to Saint Athanasius of Jerusalem, his sacrifice and steadfast devotion have been revered by the faithful throughout the centuries. His martyrdom serves as a powerful symbol of the price some are willing to pay for upholding the true teachings of the Church. Saint Athanasius of Jerusalem was declared a saint before the formal canonization process was established. His sanctity and exemplary faith were recognized by the Christian community, and he was venerated as a saint by the Pre-Congregation era of the Catholic Church. Though he does not have a designated patronage, the life and witness of Saint Athanasius of Jerusalem inspires all believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to defend the orthodox teachings of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 5th, providing an opportunity for the faithful to honor his memory and draw inspiration from his courageous life.