Holy Great Martyr Athanasius — July 18 / July 31 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 18 according to the Julian Calendar (July 31 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Great Martyr Athanasius, who suffered for Christ in the third to fourth centuries.

The Holy Great Martyr Athanasius was a close friend of the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, who are commemorated on October 7. During the reign of the persecuting Emperor Maximian (284–305 and 307–310), Athanasius was appointed to the office of prefect and stationed in Egypt.

In his position of authority, Athanasius showed great sympathy and compassion toward the Christians in his region, secretly protecting them from persecution when he could. When his faith in Christ became known to the authorities, he was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death.

The Holy Great Martyr Athanasius endured his torments with heroic courage and steadfast faith. He was executed for his confession of Christ and is venerated as one of the martyrs of the early Church. May his intercessions be with us all.