Athenagoras finally describes the Holy Spirit, whom he identifies with
the Son who is νους σοφια,
and λογος,
as we have seen, in the following terms:
The same Holy Spirit that empowers (καιτοι και αυτο το ενεργουν) those who
proclaim prophetically (τοις εκφωνουσαι προφητικως) we say is the effluence
of God (αγιον πνευμα απορροιαν ειναι φαμεν του θεου)
which flows forth from him (απορρεον) and returns (και επαναφερομενον) like the
rays of the sun (ως ακτινα ηλιου).
Who then would not be amazed (τις ουν ουκ αν απορησαι) if he heard of men called atheists (ακουσας αθεους καλουμενους) who
bring forward God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit (τους αγοντας θεον πατερα και υιον θεον και πνευμα αγιον), and who
proclaim both their power in their unity (δεικνυντας αυτων και την τν τη ενωσει δυναμιν) and their
diversity in rank (και την τη ταξει διαρεσιν).
Athenagoras, Legatio
10, 4-5.
(Allen
Brent, The Imperial Cult and the Development of Church Order: Concepts and Images
of Authority in Paganism and Early Christianity Before the Age of Cyprian [Supplements
to Vigiliae Christianae 45; Leiden: Brill, 1999], 306)
