Trinity doctrine and christology of Saint Athanasius, Archbishop of Alexandria, in his letter to Epictetus, Bishop of Corinth

Abstract

The letter of saint Athanasius of Alexandria to Epictetus of Corinth stands in the place of the most important text of the doctrinal texts of the Christian literature about Christology. It is recognizes to be an important text not only at the Arian controversy, but even after the first Ecumenical Council. Athanasius wrote it to answer series of questions, which come from the views of Appolinarianists, Illusionists and adherents of early Nestorianism. Jesus Christ is the Word of the God, who was incarnated. The Word of God assumed a human nature so that there are two natures truly distinct. He has become a human being to save the mankind. He took the human flesh by Virgin Mary and He was also remaining co-substantial with the God Father. Logos did not suffer during the Passion but only His human nature. There is not a temporal difference between God Father and Word of God.