THEOSISAndrew of Caesarea
The altar sometimes signifies Christ, for in Him and through Him rational services and living sacrifices are offered to the Father. We have been taught by the Apostle to offer them (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15).
At other times it signifies the angelic powers, which lift up our prayers and spiritual services. For they are sent forth to minister for those who are to inherit salvation (Heb 1:14).
Therefore, he says, from this ministering altar a voice was heard praising the righteous judgment of God, which surpasses every mind and word.
From the Gospel we know that the noetic powers rejoice and are glad over the salvation of those converted through repentance. They grieve when they are led astray from the true path.
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They also thank God for the punishment of those who violate His commandments, so that through it they may receive at least partial forgiveness of sins.
Let us also bring them joy and gladness by our conversion. Let us reflect that the angel of God who accompanies us instructs and guides us in our actions by a certain ineffable word.
It is as though he speaks with his mind to our mind. He rejoices over those who heed his counsels and grieves over those who transgress them, as we know from soul-profiting narratives.
Once, a certain man burdened by many sins entered a church. His angel, saddened and distressed, followed him from afar.
The man promised to convert, abandon his former life, and amend himself before the Giver of mercy. When he left the church, his angel went before him.
The evil demon, formerly joyful but now put to shame, followed far behind.
May our life be in God, to the shame of demons and the gladness of angels. Then, triumphing with them “with the voice of joy and praise of the festive multitude” (Ps 41:5), we may give thanks for victory over the evil spirits.
We give thanks to Christ our God, to whom glory is due with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.