https://youtu.be/ZAfLgoIvUOs?si=ccAyk4EaLTAIbUbU1.Hail to you, O hero, defender of the true faith,
A rock not even the gates of hell could overcome.
2.In your time, you were a martyr, O Ava Athanasius,
A deep theologian, the pride of the Orthodox.
3.You honored the Church in the fourth century,
Anba Alexandros chose you as deacon in the councils.
4.A boy, yet a saint, born to an Egyptian family,
You studied Christian sciences in school.
5.In your baptismal acts, you were pure and innocent,
Simple in thought, using spiritual means.
6.You began the path young and grew in knowledge,
Just as Jesus entered the temple as a teacher.
7.You knew Anba Anthony and became his disciple,
You wrote his life story and followed his example.
8.Faithful in your service, compassionate to the poor,
Feeding the hungry and hosting strangers.
9.At the Council of Nicaea, you defended the faith,
Exposing Arius’s heresy with the zeal of the brave.
10.You struggled greatly in life with selfless love,
And were chosen as shepherd for your pure conduct.
11.You endured harsh suffering, exile, and conspiracies,
They falsely accused you of sin with a harlot.
12.But your disciple was courageous and faithful like you,
He exposed the lie, and the people rejoiced.
13.The sinner repented and became your friend,
You received him with love and treated him as a brother.
14.They cried out to you, “The whole world is against you!”
You answered, “And I am against the world,” and they fell silent.
15.The tribulation did not last, through the power of prayer,
And by heavenly justice, Arius quickly died.
16.Exiled in Rome, you were seen by Western fathers,
They praised and cherished you and held you in their hearts.
17.You amazed the West by your wondrous humility,
Even in defending yourself, they welcomed you with honor.
18.The Emperor summoned you and saw your integrity,
He ordered your return and treated you kindly.
19.You returned to your people after struggle and pain,
Nine long years away from the world.
20.The Coptic people rejoiced and cried aloud,
And devoutly declared they would die for you.
21.Persecution intensified by the followers of Arius,
But believers sheltered you in Christ’s care.
22.The Copts stepped forward, choosing crowns,
They marched joyfully toward martyrdom.
23.You left persecution and went to the wilderness,
With holy fathers in a consecrated life.
24.You defended the faith and Orthodoxy,
Overlooking personal grudges.
25.And when God willed, the persecution ended,
You returned to your people crowned in glory.
26.A great hero, victorious over enemies,
Even more—victorious over hatred.
27.You gathered the bishops to establish canons,
In a holy council for those who repented.
28.You triumphed over Satan when you welcomed sinners,
And those returning to the faith entered God’s Kingdom.
29.In hardship and trial, you never despaired,
Obedient to the Gospel, relying on God.
30.Pray for us, that we may learn from you,
To follow your example in trial and tribulation.
31.Your wisdom and humility drew hearts to you,
A wonder in your Church, glorified by all.
32.Your struggle was long, like the holy apostles,
They called you apostolic, and your light has shone.
33.You zealously sought the ingredients for the Myron,
You or your disciple made it—with God’s help.
34.Your memory lives in our hearts; your place is in heaven,
The seventh of Bashans (ግንቦት) is the day of your departure.
35.The meaning of your name is on every believer’s lips:
All say, “O God of Pope Athanasius, help us all!”