The Diocese of Lafayette (Louisiana) marked the anniversary of the death of St. Athanasius, a bishop and doctor of the church, by telling followers that he was one of the greatest Christian apologists.

“Athanasius was one of the most important defenders of the Christian Faith at a time when the early Church was finding a way to teach clearly about who Jesus is,” the diocese posted on Facebook. 

St. Athanasius was a theologian, ecclesiastical statesman, and Egyptian national leader who was born in Alexandria as the third century was nearing its close.

Athanasius is remembered as a primary defender of the faith against Arianism, “the heresy that the Son of God was a creature of like, but not of the same, substance as God the Father,” the Facebook post said.

In 328, Athanasius succeeded Bishop Alexander as Bishop of Alexandria, according to Catholic.org. His feast day is celebrated on May 2, the anniversary of his death. 

He is a doctor of the church and patron saint of theologians and the Catholic faithful. “Doctor of the Church” is a title that a pope can bestow upon someone after that person has made significant and lasting contributions to the church, according to Crossroads Initiative. 

In its history, the Catholic Church has granted the title to only 36 people. A doctor of the church has to meet three prerequisites. He has to possess a “holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints,” a deep doctrinal insight, and be responsible for writings that the church can recommend “as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition,” the Crossroads Initiative says.

Athanasius authored several important works, including “The Life of St. Antony,” “On the Incarnation,” and “Four Orations Against the Arians,” Britannica says.