Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373 AD) was a Christian theologian and the 20th Pope of Alexandria. He is best known for his role in the conflict with Arianism and his defense of Trinitarian theology.
His work On the Incarnation articulates the doctrine of theosis—that God became man so that man might become god. This teaching, central to Eastern Orthodox theology, resonates deeply with Latter-day Saint beliefs about human divine potential.
Athanasius attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and spent much of his life defending its conclusions against Arian opposition, being exiled five times for his beliefs. His theological writings on the incarnation and deification remain influential in Christian thought.