Excerpt from the homily on St. Andrew the First-called Apostle by St. Athanasios the Great (amateur translation)
Beholding this radiant sending-out of the Spirit, and the noblest and apostolic fisherman bringing to the true and waveless sea of the harbor, I bring to mind the Master's voice which cries out: “Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” O powerful voice! O words known through actions! O the true promise that is increased daily! What, therefore, is this gate for many men? What is this gathering for this famed feast, as is seen for the famed apostle Andrew? One speaks and brings to mind his memory as bait, that they might sail this great ship with the apostolic rudder, guiding the vessel towards heaven. And which do we pursue first? Which of his honors is greatest? That of his holiness with which he is arrayed in the splendor of virtues? That of his first apostolic upraised arms, which have led those outside in error towards salvation? But as for this coming feast, this great Andrew has given the answers, and all of the honored apostolic choir. For grace has gathered them together to the same place. And this is like the perfect arrangement of stones that befits a royal crown, where if a part of it brings praise, the whole is praised together. Or it is like a golden chain, in which any part honors the whole. Thus it is to speak of one of the apostles, which is a continuation of the godly voice of Paul: “If one portion rejoices, all parts rejoice.” For among what members has nature bestowed such harmony as the grace of the Spirit has upon the choir of the apostles? For there is one grace in truth of the apostles, who are called the army of the Master.
St. Peter and St. Andrew, Apostles of Christ, and Brothers according to the flesh and spirit (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0186/s0186017.jpg)
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
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