Athanasian Creed

Athanasian Creed, a statement of the orthodox faith of the Church, not, however, the work of Athanasius, but of a Latin author of the fifth century, possibly either Hilary of Aries or Victricius, Bishop of Rouen. The name, however, has been justified on the ground that the creed states the faith maintained by St. Athanasius against the Arians (q.v.). The Church of England orders the Creed to be said or sung on certain festivals. The Disestablished Church of Ireland and the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. have, however, abandoned the practice. The so-called "damnatory clauses "have often excited discussion.