Festal Letters

letters by Athanasius

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June 26, 2026

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The Festal Letters were a series of letters written by St. Athanasius, a prominent 4th-century Christian theologian and bishop of Alexandria. These letters were crucial for communicating with his flock during periods of exile.1

Athanasius was a staunch defender of Christian orthodoxy against the heresy of Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. His writings, including the Festal Letters, helped to clarify and defend the doctrine of the Trinity. The letters also served to announce the date of Easter each year. Despite facing multiple exiles, Athanasius remained a significant figure in early Christian theology and church leadership.12

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St. Athanasius
Life and major works
…his flock through the annual Festal Letters announcing the date of Easter. Pope Julius I wrote in vain on his behalf, and the general council called for 343 was no more successful—only Western and Egyptian bishops met at Serdica (what is now Sofia, Bulgaria), and their appeal for Athanasius was…
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…his flock through the annual Festal Letters announcing the date of Easter. Pope Julius I wrote in vain on his behalf, and the general council called for 343 was no more successful—only Western and Egyptian bishops met at Serdica (what is now Sofia, Bulgaria), and their appeal for Athanasius was…
Read More