Alexander of Alexandria (d. 328) defended orthodoxy against the heresy of Arianism. He called the synod in Alexandria where Arius, who believed that Jesus was a created being not fully equal with the Father, was condemned. After Alexander’s death, he was succeeded by the great Athanasius as bishop of Alexandria. He fought to preserve orthodoxy against Arianism, a very popular and widely preached heresy.
Arianism
Athanasius
Athanasius (c. 296-373) was a young presbyter in the Alexandrian church during the ecumenical council in Nicea (325). Athanasius was the chief defender of Trinitarian doctrine against the heresy of Arianism. In 328 he became bishop after Alexander’s death. He was banished four times for his stand against heresy by Arian Emperors. He was permitted to return each time. He wrote many works toward the end of his life defending the deity of Christ and affirming that anti-Trinitarianism is the most dangerous enemy of orthodoxy. He upheld the truths of Christianity against those who would have introduced heresy into the church.