Saint Andrew, the "first-called" Apostle and brother of Saint Peter, is revered for immediately answering Jesus' call, bringing his brother to Christ, and ultimately suffering martyrdom on an X-shaped cross.
Saint Andrew, traditionally recognized as the "Protokletos" or "first-called" of the Apostles, was a fisherman from Bethsaida who promptly left his nets to follow Jesus, and is notably credited with introducing his brother, Simon Peter, to the Lord. His life exemplified immediate discipleship and evangelization, as he is believed to have preached the Gospel extensively in regions like Scythia and Greece, ultimately enduring martyrdom by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in Patras, which became a symbol associated with him. As an Apostle, Saint Andrew serves as a powerful model of unwavering faith, dedicated service, and courageous witness to Christ, inspiring believers to readily respond to God's call and share the Good News with others.
Saint Andrew, known as the "Protokletos" or "first-called" of the Apostles, hails from Bethsaida in Galilee, a prominent fishing village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He was the brother of Simon Peter, and both were fishermen by trade, a humble profession that would soon be transformed by a divine encounter. Andrew was initially a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah. It was through John the Baptist that Andrew first encountered Jesus. According to the Gospel of John, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Upon hearing this, Andrew, along with another disciple, immediately followed Jesus, spending the rest of that day with Him. This immediate and decisive response to the Lord's call set the tone for Andrew's entire life of discipleship, marking him as a man of profound faith and readiness.
In the bustling city of Patras, Achaea, a storm of persecution raged, and at its heart stood the steadfast Apostle Andrew. He had traversed vast lands, from the desolate plains of Scythia to the vibrant cities of Greece, planting the seeds of Christ's Gospel. Yet, in Patras, his fervent preaching met the iron will of the proconsul Aegeas, a man steeped in pagan worship. Aegeas, enraged by Andrew's unwavering proclamation of Christ as the one true God, demanded that he abandon his faith and offer sacrifice to the Roman idols. But Andrew, his eyes alight with divine conviction, refused. He boldly declared the truth of the Crucified Lord, even daring to admonish Aegeas for his blindness and cruelty. He spoke of the Cross not as an instrument of shame, but as a glorious tree of life, through which salvation blossomed for all who believed.
Early 3rd century AD
And when Andrew saw the proconsul Aegeas sitting on the judgment-seat, and the multitude standing by, he said with a loud voice: "O proconsul, you are a man, and a son of man, and you ought to know your Creator, and to worship Him, and not to worship idols, which are the works of men’s hands. For it is written, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.' And again, 'The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; noses have they, but they smell not; they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.' Therefore, O proconsul, cease from your error, and from the worship of idols, and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the true God, and who came into the world to save sinners, and to deliver them from the bondage of the devil."
Aegeas said: "These are the words of a madman, and not of a wise man. For how can you, who are a man, say that you know God, and that you preach Him, and that you are His disciple? For we, who are wise, and who worship the gods, do not say that we know them, but that we worship them, and that they are our gods."
Andrew said: "You are not wise, O proconsul, but foolish. For if you were wise, you would know that there is but one God, who created all things, and who upholds all things by the word of His power. And this God is He whom I preach, and whom I worship, and whom I serve. And He is not a god of silver and gold, but a God of spirit and truth. And He is not worshipped with hands, but with the heart and with the mind. And He is not worshipped with sacrifices of blood, but with sacrifices of righteousness and truth."
Aegeas said: "If you do not sacrifice to the gods, then you shall be sacrificed yourself. For it is the law of the Romans that whoever does not sacrifice to the gods shall be put to death."
Andrew said: "I am ready to be sacrificed for the sake of my Lord Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed for me. For He is the true God, and He has given me power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt me. For I have the cross of Christ as my shield, and His grace as my strength."
Aegeas, filled with wrath, commanded that Andrew be scourged. And when he was scourged, Andrew rejoiced, and said: "I thank thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that thou hast counted me worthy to suffer for thy name's sake. For this is the hour for which I have longed, and for which I have prayed. For now I shall be united with thee, my Lord, and my God."
After the scourging, Aegeas ordered that he be crucified. And when Andrew came to the place where the cross was prepared, he saw it, and cried out with a loud voice, saying:
"Hail, O cross, inaugurated by the body of Christ, and adorned by His limbs as with precious jewels. Before Christ, you inspired earthly fear; now, filled with heavenly love, you are desired as a gift. Believers know from you how great a treasure is contained in you. Take me from among men, and restore me to my Master, so that through you He may receive me who redeemed me through you. For I have always loved you, and longed to embrace you. For you are the symbol of my salvation, and the sign of my victory. Through you, the devil has been conquered, and the world has been redeemed. Through you, the dead have been raised, and the living have been saved. Through you, the darkness has been dispelled, and the light has shone forth. Through you, the curse has been removed, and the blessing has been given. Through you, the old man has been put off, and the new man has been put on. Through you, the kingdom of heaven has been opened, and the gates of hell have been shut. Therefore, O cross, I embrace you with joy, and I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. For I know that through you I shall enter into the joy of my Lord, and into the presence of my God. For I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
And having said this, he was crucified, remaining alive upon the cross for two days, and teaching the people, and saying: "Men, brethren, and all that stand by and hear me, believe in God, the Father Almighty, and in His only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, that through them you may obtain salvation. For I am now about to depart from this world, and to go to the Lord, whom I have preached, and whom I have loved, and whom I have served. Therefore, I exhort you, stand fast in the faith, and be not moved by any temptation, but rather be strengthened in the Lord. For the Lord is faithful, and will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. For I see the Lord, my God, calling me. I see Him waiting for me. I see Him stretching out His hands to me. I see Him inviting me to His heavenly banquet. And I rejoice, and am glad, and give thanks to Him, who has counted me worthy to suffer for His name's sake, and to enter into His glory. Amen."
1907
The name Andrew (Gr. Andreia, manliness, valour), like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews. Andrew was born in Bethsaida of Galilee (John 1:44), a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee. He was the son of Jonas (Matthew 16:17; John 1:42) or John (John 21:15-17), and the brother of Simon Peter (Matthew 10:2; Mark 1:16). Both were fishermen by trade, and Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. When John pointed out Jesus as the 'Lamb of God' (John 1:36), Andrew immediately followed Jesus and brought his brother Simon to Him (John 1:40-42). This act earned him the title 'Protokletos' or 'First-Called,' signifying his prompt and enthusiastic response to the divine call. He was one of the first four disciples called by Jesus to be 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18).
Throughout the Gospels, Andrew is presented as a quiet but significant figure. He is listed among the twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He is mentioned specifically in a few key moments. In John 6:8-9, during the feeding of the five thousand, it is Andrew who points out the boy with five barley loaves and two fish, remarking, 'But what are these among so many?' His practical observation, though tinged with doubt, demonstrates his presence and involvement in the miraculous events. Later, in John 12:20-22, when some Greeks wish to see Jesus, they approach Philip, and Philip, in turn, brings Andrew, and together they go to Jesus. This incident suggests Andrew's role as a bridge or intermediary, perhaps due to his Greek name or his openness to Gentiles. He is also among the disciples who question Jesus privately about the end times on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3).
After the Ascension of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, tradition holds that Andrew embarked on extensive missionary journeys. Eusebius, citing Origen, states that Andrew preached in Scythia. Later traditions, such as those found in the Apocryphal Acts of Andrew, describe his evangelistic efforts in various regions, including Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, and the shores of the Black Sea. He is particularly associated with the region of Achaea in Greece. The city of Patras in Achaea is widely regarded as the place of his martyrdom.
The manner of his death is consistently reported as crucifixion. However, unlike Peter, who was crucified upside down, Andrew is traditionally believed to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, known as a 'saltire' or 'Saint Andrew's Cross.' This tradition, though not attested in earlier accounts like the Acts of Andrew, became firmly established by the Middle Ages and is now universally recognized. The legend states that he requested this form of crucifixion, deeming himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as his Lord. He is said to have hung on the cross for two days, continuing to preach to the crowds gathered around him, before finally expiring. His steadfastness and eloquent preaching from the cross became a powerful testimony to his unwavering faith and love for Christ.
Saint Andrew's relics have a rich history of translation and veneration. His body was initially buried in Patras. In the fourth century, his relics were transferred to Constantinople by order of Emperor Constantius II and interred in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Later, during the Fourth Crusade, some relics were brought to Amalfi, Italy, where they remain in the Cathedral of St. Andrew. A significant portion of his skull was returned to Patras from Rome by Pope Paul VI in 1964 as a gesture of Christian unity.
Saint Andrew is venerated as the patron saint of several countries and cities, most notably Scotland, Russia, and Greece. His feast day is celebrated on November 30th in both the Western and Eastern Churches, marking the beginning of the Advent season in many liturgical calendars. His life exemplifies prompt obedience to God's call, fervent evangelism, and unwavering fidelity, even unto a martyr's death, making him an enduring model for all Christians.
Pilgrimages and special liturgical celebrations at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Patras, Greece, where his principal relics are venerated.
Patras is the traditional site of Saint Andrew's martyrdom and the location of his most significant relics.
Special blessings and prayers offered for fishermen and maritime communities.
Saint Andrew was a fisherman by trade and is considered a patron saint of fishermen.
Observing Saint Andrew's Day as a national holiday with widespread display of the Saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) flag.
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his feast day is a significant national observance.
Recitation of the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, a devotional prayer traditionally begun on his feast day and recited daily until Christmas Eve.
His feast day traditionally marks the beginning of the Advent liturgical season, linking his role as the 'first-called' Apostle to the anticipation of Christ's coming.
Popular customs, particularly among young women, involving fortune-telling rituals (e.g., using wheat grains, garlic, or dreams) to predict future spouses, and practices for protection against evil spirits.
The feast day falls at the start of winter, a time historically associated with mystical beliefs and the threshold between seasons, often blending with Christian veneration.
A traditional Scottish dish consisting of a savory pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, encased in a sheep's stomach (though now often in artificial casing), typically served with mashed turnips ('neeps') and mashed potatoes ('tatties').
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his feast day is a national holiday often celebrated with traditional Scottish fare.
A thick and creamy Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enjoyed as a comforting dish on colder days.
As Saint Andrew was a fisherman, seafood dishes like Cullen Skink are appropriate for his feast day in Scotland, where he is the patron saint.
In some regions, the consumption or display of garlic is a traditional custom on Saint Andrew's Eve.
Folklore in Romania associates Saint Andrew's Eve with the protection against evil spirits and vampires, with garlic being traditionally used for its purported protective qualities.