Today we commemorate Athanasius of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor. Born in Alexandria around AD 295, Athanasius would later serve as bishop of that city — a post he held for forty-five years. At the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, Athanasius defended Christian orthodoxy against the Arian heretics. Exiled five times and nearly murdered twice, Athanasius remained steadfast in his faith and lived his final days restored to his ecclesiastical office. The Athanasian Creed is named in his honor, because it confesses the truth of the divinity of Christ, which Athanasius championed during his life.