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Defence of His Flight

St. Athanasius of Alexandria

55 min read
Nicene

Apologia de Fuga, written from exile in 357, defending Athanasius's flight from Alexandria by appeal to the example of the saints and of Christ Himself, and condemning persecution as inherently diabolical.

Table of Contents

1Athanasius charged with cowardice for escaping2Insincerity of this charge3Outrages of the Arians against the Bishops4Proceedings after the Council of Milan5In praise of Hosius6Outrages of George upon the Alexandrians7Outrages of George8If it is wrong to flee, it is worse to persecute9The accusation shews the mind of the accusers10Their real grievance is not that Athanasius is a coward, but that he is free11Examples of Scripture Saints in defence of flight12The Lord an example of timely flight13Example of Our Lord14An hour and a time for all men15The Lord's hour and time16The Lord's example followed by the Saints17A time to flee and a time to stay18The Saints who fled were no cowards19The Saints courageous in their flight, and divinely favoured20Same Subject Continued21The Saints fled for our sakes22Same subject concluded23Persecution is from the Devil24Irruption of Syrianus25Athanasius's wonderful escape26He acted according to the example of the Saints. Character of his accusers27Conclusion