The Fisherman

The Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Pentecost by singing the troparion: "Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. Lover of men, glory to Thee." It recalls Jesus's call to his disciples: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matt. 4:19

            Above all, Christ Himself oversees all and harvests human souls, symbolized by the eyes, into his net. His head is like an eye, surrounded by the crown of thorns, and arms extended to form an arch - a door that invites all to His spiritual banquet. A divine Davidic harp is formed by the seven strings coming from the crown downward to the net. The wheat in his hands symbolizes the Holy Eucharist - the bread offering through which Christ enters our midst and our bodies. 

Koniakion, tone 8: When the Most High came down and confused the tongues, He divided the nations, but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all to unity. And with one accord we glorify the All-Holy Spirit.