The Diocese of Gaylord on Monday celebrated the feast day of Saint Athanasius, a bishop and doctor of the church, asking that their tribute to him make them better appreciate the Truth.

“Today is the Feast of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “Let us pray that we may, under the patronage of Saint Athanasius, learn to be fierce defenders of the Truth.” 

Near the end of the third century, St. Athanasius was born in Alexandria, Britannica says. 

Athanasius is remembered for his efforts to defend the faith against Arianism, which was a heresy claiming that Jesus does not share in the same divinity as God. Athanasius was responsible for several important works, Britannica says, including “The Life of St. Antony,” “On the Incarnation,” and “Four Orations Against the Arians.” 

Athanasius went on to become Bishop of Alexandria in the year 328, catholic.org reports. He earned the title of doctor of the church and is the patron saint of theologians and the Catholic faithful. His feast day is celebrated on May 2, which is the anniversary of his death. 

“Doctor of the Church” is a title that a pope can bestow upon someone who has made significant and lasting contributions to the church, according to Crossroads Initiative. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has granted the title to only 36 people. 

A candidate to be named doctor of the church must meet three requirements: holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints; depth of doctrinal insight; and an extensive body of writings that the church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition, Crossroads Initiative says.