Athanasius (3)

Athanasius bishop OF ANCYRA, was raised to that see by the Arian Acacius of Caesarea in 360. Notwithstanding. this inauspicious beginning, he gave unquestionable proofs of his orthodoxy by taking an active part in the Synod of Tyana, in 367, at which the Nicene symbol was accepted. By St. Basii he is commended as "a bulwark of orthodoxy;" and Gregory Nyssen praises him as "valuing the truth above everything." At his death, in 368 (or 369), Basil wrote a letter of condolence to the Church of Ancyra, on the loss of one who was truly " a pillar and foundation of the Church." See Smith, Dict. Christ. Biog. s.v.; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generate, s.v.