Saint Alexander of Alexandria

Saint Alexander of Alexandria was an early Christian bishop who served as Patriarch of Alexandria in the early 4th century. He is best known for defending the belief that Jesus Christ is truly divine during a major theological dispute in the Church.

At the time, a priest named Arius began teaching that the Son of God was created and not equal to the Father. Alexander strongly opposed this teaching because it contradicted what Christians had received from earlier generations.

The controversy became so widespread that it led to the gathering of the First Council of Nicaea in 325. Alexander attended the council along with his young deacon Athanasius of Alexandria, who would later become one of the greatest defenders of Christian doctrine.

Alexander spent much of his leadership protecting the unity and teaching of the Church. He died shortly after the council, leaving Athanasius to continue the struggle against Arianism.

Saint Alexander’s life reminds us that truth sometimes requires patience and courage. The conflict he faced was not simply an argument—it shaped the future understanding of who Christ is.

Alexander did not seek controversy, but he refused to allow confusion about the heart of the Christian faith. His leadership shows that defending truth should come from a desire to protect people, not from pride or anger.

Daily Reflection Question:

Do I try to understand my faith more deeply?