St. Andrew of Crete
St. Andrew was born in Damascus around 660 and, after being mute until the age of seven, was healed upon receiving Holy Communion.
He became a monk at the Monastery of St. Savva near Jerusalem, represented the Church of Jerusalem at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in 680, served as archdeacon of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, and was consecrated Archbishop of Gortyna on Crete. A brilliant theologian, preacher, and hymnographer, he composed the Great Canon of Repentance, sung throughout the Orthodox world during Great Lent, along with canons for the Nativity, Palm Sunday, and Passion Week. He reposed on the island of Mytilene around 712 (some say 726) while returning to Crete from Constantinople.
Where shall I begin to lament the deeds of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, for my present lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me release from my falls.
Come, wretched soul, with thy flesh, confess to the Creator of all. In future refrain from thy former brutishness, and offer to God tears in repentance.
I have sinned above all men; I alone have sinned against Thee. But as God take pity, O Saviour, on Thy creation.
The end is drawing near, my soul, is drawing near, but thou dost not care or prepare thyself. The time is growing short. Rise! The Judge is near at the very doors.
Troparion · Tone 5
Emulating David, you sang a new song in the assembly of the righteous. As an initiate of the Holy Spirit you guided us with hymns of grace and the word of righteousness for our salvation, O Andrew, glory of the Fathers.
Kontakion · Tone 2
Trumpeting forth divine melodies, you were shown as a far-shining luminary for the world. You shone forth with the radiant light of the Trinity, O venerable Andrew. Therefore we all cry to you: do not cease to intercede for us all.
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