Athanasius of Alexandria. The Festal Epistles of S. Athanasius. Translated by Henry Burgess. Oxford; London: John Henry Parker; F. and J. Rivington, 1854. 978-0341699156, 200 pages
Raphael Mnkandhla
Thesis: This book contains letters that Athanasius wrote to the churches concerning the Christian Festival of Easter. This was a duty that was expected of the bishop of Alexandria to notify the Church the time at which Easter was to be celebrated. The letters were sent to churches in Egypt and also in Rome. The letters start on the year he became Bishop and end the year he died.
The letters were not intended to be controversial, yet they make mention and refute the doctrines and practices of Arians, Manicheans and any other heresies troubling the churches. The letters fill up the empty gaps of history, yet they are not intended to be historical but pastoral. Athanasius takes the liberty to stir up the minds of the faithful to the importance of a due and spiritual observance of the great and holy feast, frequently contrasting its character with that of the Jewish Passover and dwelling upon the superiority of the former. Anxious to build up in the faith those committed to his charge, he inculcates the necessity of a steadfast adherence thereto against all adversaries; while he earnestly urges upon them the intimate connection between purity of faith and holiness of life. Love to God, charity to our neighbor, diligence in prayer and thanksgiving, distribution to the poor, a careful study of the holy Scriptures, are subjects upon which he often dilates. When an exile, through the fury or treachery of his enemies, he reminds his flock of the spiritual unity of Christians, wherever they may be: when restored to the Church, he invites them to join him in thanksgiving.[1]
a.d. 329.
In this year, Easter-day was on XI Pharmuthi; VIII Id. Ap.; XXII Moon; Coss. Constantinus Aug. VIII, Constantinus Cæs. IV.; the same Zenius being Præfect of Egypt; Indict. II; Epact VI; Gods, II. This was the first Letter he [Athan.] sent; for he was appointed Bishop in the preceding year after the Paschal feast; Alexander, as is known, having despatched one for that year, before he was removed from this world. This was in the 45th of the Diocletian Æra.
· Athanasius writes to the churches e wants to make sure that these are done for the glory of Christ and the good of man.
· After covering the old testament views on feasts, he shows how they are fulfilled in Christ and now gives them dates for fasting and feasting
II.
a.d. 330.
In this year, Easter-day was on XXIV Pharmuthi; XIII Kal. Mai.; XV Moon; Coss. Gallicanus, Symmachus; Magninianus the Cappadocian being Præfect of Egypt; Indict. III; Epact XVII; Gods, III. In this year, he [Athan.] went through the Thebais.
· The feast is to nourish the people so that they can they following the footsteps of apostles can not only preach the gospel but also embody it.
· Keeping the feast allows them to enter into the same joy as the apostles, therefore the feast is intended to be renewing to the church.
III.
a.d. 331.
In this year, Easter-day was on XVI Pharmuthi; XVIII Moon; III Id. Ap.; Coss. Annius Bassus, Ablavius; Hyginus, Præfect of Egypt; Epact XXVIII; Indict. IV. He sent this Letter while journeying, on his return from the Comitatus. For in this year he went to the Comitatus to the Emperor Constantine, having been summoned before him, on account of an accusation his enemies made, that he had been consecrated when too young. He appeared before [Constantine], was thought worthy of favour and honour, and returned when the [quadragesimal] fast was half finished.
· Feasts are for keeping pace with the grace of God
· Grace given to him kept him going even in exile. Persecution at the beginning of the chapter make sure you use the years to track with his exiles and where he is writing from
· The feast is to move people towards thankfulness, against callousness and unproductive Christian living.
IV.
a.d. 332.
In this year, Easter-day was on XVII Pharmuthi; XX Moon; IV Non. Apr.; Epact IX; Gods, VI; Coss. Pacatianus, Hilarianus; the same Hyginus, Præfect of Egypt; Indict. V. In this year, he went through Pentapolis, and was in Ammoniaca.
· This letter was sent form the Emperors court buy a soldier when Athanasius was sick
· We do not celebrate these days in the character of mourners; but, as refreshing ourselves with spiritual food, we impose silence on our fleshly lusts” ( 32)
· The feast is to be celebrated in light of Satan’s defeat and Christ’s victory.
· We have sent this letter from the Comitatus, by the hand of an attendant officer, to whom it was given by Ablabius, the Præfect of the Prætorium, who fears God in truth. For I am at the Comitatus, having been summoned by the emperor Constantine to see him. But the Meletians, who were present there, being envious, sought our ruin before the Emperor. But they were put to shame and driven away thence as calumniators, being confuted by many things. Those who were thus driven away were Callinicus, Ision, Eudæmon, and Gelous Hieracammon, who, on account of the shame of his name, calls himself Eulogius. ( 35-36)
V.
a.d. 333.
In this year, Easter-day was on XX Pharmuthi; XV Moon; XVII Kal. Mai.; Epact XX; Gods, VII; Coss. Dalmatius, Zenophilus; Pateriusc, Præfect of Egypt; Indict. VI.
· The feast is to renew
· We eat, as it were, the food of life; and, thirsting continually, are at all times delighted, as it were, from a fountain, by His precious blood. For we, on the one hand, are always eagerly desirous; He, on the other, stands ready for those who thirst; and for those who thirst, there is the word of our Saviour, which, according to His loving-kindness, He vouchsafed in the day of the feast; If any man thirst, let him come to Me and drink. Nor was it then alone when any one drew near to Him, that He cured his thirst; but, moreover, whenever it is sought, is there access freely for any man to the Saviour. For the grace of the feast is not limited to one time, nor does its splendid brilliancy suffer an eclipse; but it is always near, enlightening the conscience of those who earnestly desire it.( 37-38)
· the season now requires this of us, that we should not only utter such words, but also imitate the deeds of the saints. But we imitate them, when we acknowledge Him Who died; and no longer live unto ourselves, but Christ henceforth lives in us; when we render a recompense to the Lord to the utmost of our power; when, I say, we make a return, not by giving any thing of our own, but those things which we have before received from Him; this being especially of His grace, that He should require, as from us, His own gifts ( 40)
· The fast and the feast is to walk in the footsteps of the saints not so that we pay for our salvation but so that we can have a greater appreciation of what he has done.
VI.
a.d. 334.
In this year, Easter-day was on XII Pharmuthi. XVII Moon; VII Id. Apr.; Indict. VII; Epact I; Gods, I; Coss. Optatus, Paulinus; Paterius, Præfect of Egypt. In this year he [Athan.] went through the low country. In it, he was also summoned to a Synod. But his enemies had previously devised mischief against him in Cæsarea of Palestine; he became aware of the conspiracy, and excused himself from attending.
· We have the feast thinking of Jesus who said he would not eat the feast until the kingdom is fulfilled. We have it now on the victory side.
· We will not be like the ungrateful 9 lepers that had been healed but didn’t come and say thank you
· And let us rejoice, not in ourselves, but in the Lord, that we also may be inheritors with the saints. Let us keep the feast then, as Moses. Let us watch like David, who rose seven times, and in the middle of the night gave thanks for the righteous judgments of God. Let us be early, as he said, In the morning I will stand before Thee, and Thou wilt look upon me: in the morning Thou wilt hear my voice. Let us fast like Daniel; let us pray without ceasing, as Paul commanded; all of us recognising the season of prayer, but especially those who are honourably married; so that when a testimony is borne to us by these things, and we keep the feast by them, we may be able to enter into the joy of our Lord in the kingdom of heaven. But as Israel, when going up to Jerusalem, was first purified in the wilderness, being trained to forget the customs of Egypt; as the [divine] word has graciously prescribed to us the holy fast of forty days; let us first be purified and purged, so that when we depart hence, having been careful of fasting, we may be able to ascend to the upper chamber with the Lord, to sup with Him; and may be partakers of the joy which is in heaven. In no other manner shall we be able to go up to Jerusalem, and to eat the Passover, but as we apply ourselves to the fast of forty days. ( 53-54)
VII.
a.d. 335.
In this year, Easter-day was on XIV Pharmuthi; XX Moon; III Kal. Ap.; Indict. VIII; Epact XII; Gods, II; Coss. Constantiusd, Albinus; the same Paterius, Præfect of Egypt.
VIII.
a.d. 336.
In this year, Easter-day was on XXIII Pharmuthi; XX Moon; XIV Kal. Mai; Indict. IX; Epact XXIII; Gods, IV; Coss. Nepotianus, Facundus; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, being Præfect of Egypt. In this year, he [Athan.] went to a Synod of his enemies which was assembled at Tyre. He departed from this place [i.e. from Alexandria] on XVII Epiphi; but when a discovery was made of the preparation against him, he removed thence, and fled in a vessel to Constantinople. Arriving there on II Athyr, after eight days he presented himself before the Emperor Constantine, and spoke plainly. But his enemies, by various secret devices, influenced the Emperor, who suddenly condemned him to exile, and he set out on the twelfth of Athyr to Gaul, to Constans Cæsar, the son of Augustus. On this account, he wrote no Festal Letter.
IX.
a.d. 337.
In this year, Easter-day was on VIII Pharmuthi; XVI Moon; IV Non. Ap.; Indict. X; Epact IV; Gods, V; Coss. Felicianus, Titianus; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, being Præfect of Egypt. He [Athan.] was in Treviri of Gaul, and on this account was unable to write a Festal Letter.
X.
a.d. 338.
In this year, Easter-day was on XXX Phamenoth; VII Kal. Ap.; XIX Moon; Indict. XI; Epact XV; Gods, VI; Coss. Ursus, Polemius; the governor Theodorus, of Heliopolis, Præfect of Egypt. In this year, Constantine having died on XXVII Pachon; Athanasius, now liberated, returned from Gaul triumphantly, on XXVII Athyr. In this year, too, there were many events. Anthony, the great leader, came to Alexandria, and though he remained there only two days, shewed himself wonderful in many things, and healed many. He departed on the third of Messori.
· What is his view on disfance and fellowship
· While I then committed all my affairs to God, I was anxious to celebrate the feast with you, not taking into account the distance between us. For although place separate us, yet the Lord the Giver of the feast, and Who is Himself our feast , Who is also the Bestower of the Spirit , brings us together in mind, in harmony, and in the bond of peace.
· Oh! My dearly beloved, if we shall gain comfort from afflictions, if rest from labours, if health after sickness, if from death immortality, it is not right to be distressed by the temporal ills that lay hold on mankind.
· This is the grace of the Lord, and these are the Lord's means of restoration for the children of men. For He suffered to prepare freedom from suffering for those who suffer in Him, He descended that He might raise us up, He took on Him the trial of being born, that we might love Him Who is unbegotten, He went down to corruption, that corruption might put on immortality, He became weak for us, that we might rise with power, He descended to death, that He might bestow on us immortality, and give life to the dead. Finally, He became man, that we who die as men might live again, and that death should no more reign over us; for the Apostolic word proclaims, 'Death shall not have the dominion over us.
a.d. 339.
In this year, Easter-day was on XX Pharmuthi; XX Moon; XVII Kal. Mai.; Epact XXVI; Gods, VII; Indict. XII; Coss. Constantius II, Constanse; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, Præfect of Egypt. In this year, again, there were many tumults. On the XXII Phamenoth, he [Athan.] was sought after by his persecutors in the night. On the next morning he fled from the Church of Theonas, after he had baptized many. Then, on the fourth day, Gregorius the Cappadocian entered the city as Bishop.
· Since we are thus circumstanced, my brethren, let us never loiter in the path of virtue; for hereto he counsels us, saying, 'Be followers of me, as I also am of Christ [ 1 Corinthians 11:1 ].' For he gave this advice not to the Corinthians only, since he was not their Apostle only, but being 'a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity [ 1 Timothy 2:7 ],' he admonished us all through them; and in short, the things he wrote to each particular person are commandments common to all men.
· For to those who thus examine themselves, and conform their hearts to the Lord, nothing adverse shall happen; for indeed, their heart is strengthened by confidence in the Lord, as it is written, 'They who trust in the Lord are as mount Sion: he who dwells in Jerusalem shall not be moved for ever.
· Let us therefore keep the feast, my brethren, celebrating it not at all as an occasion of distress and mourning, neither let us mingle with heretics through temporal trials brought upon us by godliness. But if anything that would promote joy and gladness should offer, let us attend to it; so that our heart may not be sad, like that of Cain; but that, like faithful and good servants of the Lord, we may hear the words, 'Enter into the joy of your Lord [ Matthew 25:21 ].'
· Because he was sacrificed let us feed upon him, and with alacrity and diligence partake of his sustencence; since he is given to all without. Grudging, and is in everyone a well of everlasting life( Jn 4:4)
XII.
a.d. 340.
In this year, Easter-day was on XIV Pharmuthi; XV Moonf; III Kal. Ap.; Epact VII; Gods, II; Indict. XIII; Coss. Acyndinus, Proclus; the same governor Philagrius, Præfect of Egypt. Gregorius continued his acts of violence, and therefore wrote no Festal Letter. The Arians proclaimed [Easter] on XXVII Phamenoth, and were much ridiculed on account of this error. Then altering it in the middle of the fast, they kept it with us on XIV Pharmuthi, as above. He [Athanasius] gave notice of it to the presbyters of Alexandria in a short note, not being able to send a Letter as usual, on account of his flight, and the treachery employed.
A letter to Serapion
· He sends to him only one letter so the pretenders will not claim to be him
· But I have further deemed it highly necessary and very urgent, to make known to your modesty—for I have written this to each one—that thou shouldest proclaim the fast of forty days to the brethren, and persuade them to fast; to the end that, while all the world is fasting, we who are in Egypt should not become a laughing-stock, as the only people who do not fast, but take our pleasure in these days. For if we do not fast, because the Letter is [only] then read, it is right that we should take away this pretext also, and that it be read before the fast of forty days, so that they may not make this an excuse for neglect of fasting(100)
· He informs him of all the bishops that have succeeded those who have fallen asleep.
XIII.
a.d. 341.
In this year, Easter-day was on XXIV Pharmuthi: XVI Moon; XIII Kal. Mai.; Epact XVIII; Gods, III; Indict. XIV; Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Longinus, of Nice, Præfect of Egypt. There was a schism in Augustannice, on account of Gregorius continuing in the city, and exercising violence. But his illness commenced, nor did the Pope write a Festal Letter this time.
· But we should especially remember it, and not at all forget its commemoration from time to time. Now the unbelievers do not consider that there is a season for feasts, because they spend all their lives in revelling and follies; and the feasts which they keep are an occasion of grief rather than of joy.
· But to us in this present life they are above all an uninterrupted passage [to heaven]— it is indeed our season. For such things as these serve for exercise and trial, so that, having approved ourselves zealous and chosen servants of Christ, we may be fellow-heirs with the saints.
XIV.
a.d. 342.
In this year, Easter-day was on XVI Pharmuthi; XX Moong; III Id. Ap.; Epact XXIX; Gods, IV.; Indict. XV.; Coss. Constantius III, Constans II; the governor Longinus, of Nice, Præfect of Egypt. Because Gregorius was severely ill in the city, the Pope was unable to send [any Letter].
· For as He is the Shepherd, and the High Priest, and the Way and the Door, and every thing at once to us, so further, He has been revealed to us as the feast, and the holyday, according to the blessed Apostle; Our Passover, Christ, is sacrificed (111)
· But respecting these matters, I have confidence in your wisdom, and your care for instruction. Such points as these have been touched upon by us often and in various Letters.
· Why therefore do we tarry, and why do we delay, and not come with all eagerness and diligence to the feast, trusting that it is Jesus who calls us? Who is all things for us, and was laden in ten thousand ways for our salvation; Who hungered and thirsted for us, though He gives us food and drink in His saving gifts. For this is His glory, this the miracle of His divinity, that He changed our sufferings for His happiness. For, being life, He died that He might make us alive, being the Word, He became flesh, that He might instruct the flesh in the Word, and being the fountain of life, He thirsted our thirst, that thereby He might urge us to the feast, saying, 'If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink [ John 7:37 ].'
· Therefore let us also, when we come to the feast, no longer come as to old shadows, for they are accomplished, neither as to common feasts, but let us hasten as to the Lord, Who is Himself the feast , not looking upon it as an indulgence and delight of the belly, but as a manifestation of virtue.
· let us keep the festival to the Spirit, Who is even now near us, in Jesus Christ, through Whom and with Whom to the Father be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
XV.
a.d. 343.
In this year, Easter-day was on I Pharmuthi; XV Moon; VI Kal. Ap.; Epact XI; Gods, V.; Indict. I.; Coss. Placidus, Romulus; the same governor Longinus, of Nice, Præfect of Egypt. In this year, there was a Synod held at Sardica; and when the Arians had arrived, they returned to Philippopolis, for Philagrius gave them this advice there. In truth, they were blamed every where, and were even anathematised by the Church of Rome, and having written a recantation to the Pope Athanasius, Ursacius and Valens were put to shame. There was an arrangement entered into at Sardica respecting Easter, and a decree was issued to be binding for fifty years, which the Romans and Alexandrians every where announced in the usual manner. Again he [Athan.] wrote a Festal Letter.
XVI.
a.d. 344.
In this year, Easter-day was on XX Pharmuthi; XIX Moon; XVII Kal. Mai.; Epact XXI; Gods, VI; Coss. Leontius, Sallustius; the governor Palladius Italus, Præfect of Egypt; Indict. II. Being at Naissus on his return from the Synod, he [Athan.] there celebrated Easter. Of this Easter-day, he gave notice in few words to the presbyters of Alexandria, but he was unable to do so to other parts.
XVII.
a.d. 345.
In this year, Easter-day was on XII Pharmuthi; XVIII Moon; VII Id. Ap.; Epact II; Gods, I; Indict. III; Coss. Amantius, Albinus; the governor Nestorius, of Gaza, Præfect of Egypt. Having travelled to Aquileia, he [Athan.] kept Easter there. Of this Easter-day, he gave notice in few words to the presbyters of Alexandria, but not to other parts.
Athanasius, to the Presbyters and Deacons of Alexandria, and the beloved brethren in Christ, greeting.
According to custom, I give you notice respecting Easter, my beloved; that you also may notify the same to the districts of those who are at a distance, as is usual. Therefore after this present festival, I mean this which is on the twentieth of the month Pharmuthi, the first of the Paschal week ensuing will be on the vii Id. April; or, according to the Alexandrians, on the twelfth of Pharmuthi. Give therefore notice in all those districts, that the first day of the Paschal week is on the vii Id. April, on the twelfth of Pharmuthi according to the Alexandrian reckoning. That ye may be in health in Christ, I pray, my beloved brethren (118)
XVIII.
a.d. 346.
In this year, Easter-day was on IV Pharmuthi; XXIh Moon; III Kal. Ap.; Epact XIV; Gods, II; Indict. IV; Coss. Constantiusi IV, Constans III; the same governor Nestorius, of Gaza, Præfect of Egypt. Gregorius having died on the second of Epiphi, he [Athan.] returned from Rome and Italy, and entered the city and the Church. He was, too, thought worthy of a grand reception; for on the fourth of Paophi, the people and those in authority met him a hundred miles distant. He had already sent the Festal Letter for this year, written in few words, to the presbyters.
· Therefore let there be no dispute, but let us act as becomes us. For I have thus written to the Romans also. Give notice then as it has been notified to you, that it is on the iii Kal. April; the fourth of Pharmuthi, according to the Alexandrian reckoning. That you may have health in the Lord, I pray, my dearly beloved brethren. (119)
XIX.
a.d. 347.
In this year, Easter-day was on XVII Pharmuthi; XV Moon; Prid. Id. Apr.; Epact XXV; Gods, III; Indict. V; Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; the same governor Nestorius, of Gaza, Præfect of Egypt. He [Athan.] wrote this Letter while residing here in Alexandria, giving notice of some things which he had not been able to do before.
· This letter goes over the unworthy way of coming before God thaf he detests and recommends whayt way to take
· For what is so fitting for the feast, a turning from wickedness, and a pure conversation, and prayer offered without ceasing to God, with thanksgiving? Therefore let us, my brethren, looking forward to celebrate the eternal joy in heaven, keep the feast here also, rejoicing at all times, praying incessantly, and in everything giving thanks to the Lord. I give thanks to God, for those other wonders He has done, and for the various helps that have now been granted us, in that though He has chastened us sore, He did not deliver us over to death, but brought us from a distance even as from the ends of the earth, and has united us again with you. I have been mindful while I keep the feast, to give you also notice of the great feast of Easter, that so we may go up together, as it were, to Jerusalem, and eat the Passover, not separately but as in one house ; let us not as sodden in water, water down the word of God; neither let us, as having broken its bones, destroy the commands of the Gospel. But as roasted with fire, with bitterness, being fervent in spirit, in fastings and watchings, with lying on the ground, let us keep it with penitence and thanksgiving.
XX.
a.d. 348.
In this year, Easter-day was on VIII Pharmuthi; XVIII Moon; III Non. Ap.; Epact VI; Gods, IV; Indict. VI; Coss. Philippus, Salia; the same governor Nestorius, of Gaza, Præfect of Egypt. This Letter also he sent while residing in Alexandria.
· Let us now keep the feast, my brethren, for as our Lord then gave notice to His disciples, so He now tells us beforehand, that 'after some days is the Passover [ Matthew 26:2 ],' in which the Jews indeed betrayed the Lord, but we celebrate His death as a feast, rejoicing because we then obtained rest from our afflictions. We are diligent in assembling ourselves together, for we were scattered in time past and were lost, and are found.
· When we thirst, He satisfies us on the feast-day itself; standing and crying, 'If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink [ John 7:37 ].'
[1] Athanasius of Alexandria, The Festal Epistles of S. Athanasius, trans. Henry Burgess (Oxford; London: John Henry Parker; F. and J. Rivington, 1854), xi–xii.
d The Syr. has Constantinus, by an error.
e The Syriac has erroneously Constantius I, Constans II.
f Syr. ‘month.’
g The Syriac has XVI, which is an error.
h The Syriac in this place has XXIV. But we find XXI in the heading to the Letter itself.
i The Syriac has Constantinus.