Saint Andrew the Apostle,
St. Andrew, known as the “First-Called” (Protokletos) in the Christian tradition, holds a revered place in the history of the Church as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Saint Peter, his life, teachings, and martyrdom have inspired generations of Christians. His influence extends far and wide, with various traditions, symbols, and customs honouring his legacy worldwide.
St. Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a town near the Sea of Galilee, and was a fisherman by trade, like his brother Simon (later known as Peter). According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah when John pointed to Him as “the Lamb of God,” and he became the first apostle to follow Christ. Andrew then introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, demonstrating his role as a connector and evangelist from the beginning.
Following Christ’s resurrection and ascension, Andrew traveled widely to spread the Christian faith. According to tradition, he preached in regions such as Scythia (modern-day Eastern Europe and parts of Asia), Greece, and even as far as modern Russia and the Black Sea. This missionary work is why Andrew is considered the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland, Ukraine, and Romania.
St. Andrew was martyred in the Greek city of Patras around 60 AD. Tradition holds that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, commonly known as the “St. Andrew’s Cross.” According to legend, he requested this form of crucifixion, deeming himself unworthy to die on a cross like Jesus. The image of the diagonal cross has since become one of the key symbols associated with St. Andrew and is notably featured on the flags of Scotland and the United Kingdom.Traditions and CustomsThe veneration of St. Andrew is deeply rooted in many cultures, and his feast day, celebrated on November 30th, marks the beginning of Advent for many Christians, particularly in the Western tradition.
- In Scotland: St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his feast day is a national holiday marked by celebrations that include music, dance, and feasting. The Scottish flag, featuring the white X-shaped cross, pays homage to St. Andrew’s martyrdom.
- St. Andrew’s Eve Traditions: In many European countries, St. Andrew’s Eve is associated with folk customs, particularly related to marriage and fortune-telling. For example, in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe, unmarried women traditionally perform rituals to learn about their future spouses. These practices include pouring hot wax into water to interpret the resulting shapes or placing shoes in a line toward a door, symbolizing a potential marriage journey.
- Pilgrimages and Relics: Numerous churches around the world are dedicated to St. Andrew, and many claim to house relics of the apostle. The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Patras, Greece, is believed to be his final resting place and remains a major pilgrimage site. In addition, the tradition of spreading relics of St. Andrew has led to their presence in places like Amalfi, Italy, and St. Andrew’s Church in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- The Prayer of St. Andrew: Many faithful recite the St. Andrew Novena starting on his feast day, continuing for nine days. This prayer, often known as the “Christmas Novena,” invites Christians to prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ.St. Andrew’s life exemplifies qualities of humility, evangelization, and devotion to Christ. As the “First-Called,” he showed a readiness to follow Jesus immediately and a commitment to bringing others to Him, even when he worked quietly in the background. His martyrdom reflects a deep love for Christ and a willingness to endure suffering for the faith.St. Andrew’s legacy challenges Christians to embrace their faith courageously, to witness with zeal, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the journey is difficult. His example continues to inspire those who seek to live out the Gospel and share it with the world.
