About Saint Athanasius
Saint Athanasius (c. 296–373) was one of the greatest bishops and theologians of the early Catholic Church. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he became bishop of Alexandria in 328 and dedicated his life to defending the truth of the Christian faith.
During the Arian controversy, many denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. Saint Athanasius strongly defended the teaching that Jesus Christ is truly God, consubstantial with the Father, as proclaimed in the Council of Nicaea (325).
Because of his unwavering defense of the faith, he suffered exile several times, yet he never abandoned the truth. His writings helped preserve the Church’s teaching on the Holy Trinity.
Saint Athanasius was declared a Doctor of the Church because of his deep wisdom and lasting contribution to Christian theology. His feast day is celebrated on May 2.
What Can I Pray the Saint Athanasius Novena For?
You can pray this novena for:
- Strength to remain faithful during difficult times.
- Courage to defend the Catholic faith.
- Protection from confusion and false teachings.
- Growth in knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
- A deeper understanding of the Holy Trinity.
- Help during spiritual struggles.
- Guidance for bishops, priests, and Church leaders.
- Perseverance in times of persecution.
What is the Saint Athanasius Novena?
The Saint Athanasius Novena is a nine-day prayer devotion asking for the intercession of Saint Athanasius, a great bishop and defender of the Christian faith. Through his prayers, Catholics seek strength, wisdom, and faithfulness to Christ.
When is the feast day of Saint Athanasius?
The feast day of Saint Athanasius is celebrated on May 2 in the Roman Catholic Church.
Why is Saint Athanasius called the Father of Orthodoxy?
Saint Athanasius is called the Father of Orthodoxy because he defended the true Catholic teaching about Jesus Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy. His writings helped preserve the Church’s belief in the Holy Trinity.
What is Saint Athanasius the patron saint of?
Saint Athanasius is the patron saint of theologians, defenders of the faith, and those who seek courage in standing for truth.
How long do you pray the Saint Athanasius Novena?
A novena is traditionally prayed for nine consecutive days. Many Catholics begin a novena nine days before the saint’s feast day or pray it whenever they need the saint’s intercession.
Can I pray the Saint Athanasius Novena for someone else?
Yes. You can offer this novena for the intentions of family members, friends, the Church, or anyone who needs spiritual strength and guidance.
What prayer is included in the Saint Athanasius Novena?
The novena prayer asks God to grant pardon and grace through the intercession of Saint Athanasius, His faithful bishop and confessor. It is followed by prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
Why should Catholics pray to Saint Athanasius?
Catholics ask Saint Athanasius to pray for them because he was a faithful witness of Christ who remained steadfast during persecution and defended the truth of the Gospel.
| Novena Begins: | April 23 |
| Feast Day: | May 2 |
Day 1 – St. Athanasius Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Athanasius Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Athanasius Novena
 Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the Rewarder of faithful souls,
grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint Athanasius, Thy confessor and Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate, we may obtain pardon and grace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint Athanasius, faithful defender of the true Faith,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, courageous shepherd of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint Athanasius, protector of the doctrine of Christ,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…