The Holy Apostle Andrew

The First-Called
(brother of Simon Peter)

Feastday: November 30

Also known as: Andreas the Apostle; Endres the Apostle

Andrew was born in the year 5 AD in Galilee, Israel. Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The Greek proper name means “manly, manly, brave”.

Andrew was the older brother of Simon Peter. The brothers come from the town of Bethsaida on the Sea of Gennezareth in Galilee, the northern province of Palestine. Bethsaida was a fishing town and Andrew and Peter were fishermen by profession. Around the year 30, Andreas had joined.

According to tradition, after Pentecost he proclaimed the Gospel in Asia Minor and the Danube countries. During the reign of Emperor Nero, Andreas was arrested by the governor Ageas. He was forced to sacrifice to the gods, but Andrew steadfastly persisted and refused. The Christian hater then pronounced death sentence on him.

He died on an X-shaped cross on November 30, 60 AD in Patras, Greece. Out of love for his Lord, he did not want to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. We therefore call an X-shaped cross a St. Andrew's cross. We come across the St. Andrew's Cross in the coat of arms of Amsterdam and at railway crossings.

In the 4th century his relics were transferred to Constantinople. Now they are located in Amalfi in Italy. In the 1960s, a large portion of the saint's relics and his cross were returned to the Greek church. A church was built in the city of Patras to store the relics.

The Basilica of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte is a 17th-century basilica in Rome, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Andrew.

Patron: of Scotland; Fisherman.

Prayer to Saint Andrew the Apostle

O Glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend Saint John you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire life, and now throughout eternity.

As you led your brother Saint Peter to Christ and many others after him, draw us also to him. Teach us to lead others to Christ solely out of love for him and dedication in his service. Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to Jesus.
Amen.