St. Andrew: The First Apostle and His Enduring Legacy

12th December 2024 Catholic Heroes Editor

•Apostle 
•Feast day: November 30 
•First Century

St. Andrew, revered as the first Apostle to be called by Jesus, holds a significant place in Christian tradition and history. Born in Bethsaida, a small fishing village in Galilee, Andrew was the son of Jonah and the brother of Simon Peter. His story is intricately woven with the early ministry of Christ and the foundation of the Christian Church. Known for his humility and fervent missionary zeal, St. Andrew’s life and martyrdom continue to inspire the faithful across the globe.

The Call of St. Andrew

The call of St. Andrew is beautifully depicted in the Gospel of John (1:35-42). Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. After witnessing John’s proclamation of Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus. When Andrew asked Jesus where he was staying, Jesus invited him with the words, “Come, and you will see.” This brief but profound encounter led Andrew to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. The next day, he eagerly shared this revelation with his brother Simon Peter, saying, “We have found the Messiah,” and brought him to Jesus. This act of bringing others to Christ became a defining trait of Andrew’s apostolic mission.

Ministry and Missionary Journeys

Following the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, St. Andrew embarked on extensive missionary journeys to spread the Gospel. According to tradition, he traveled through Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Scythia (the region encompassing parts of Ukraine and southern Russia), and Greece. His evangelization efforts earned him the title of “Apostle to the Greeks,” and he is credited with founding the church in Byzantium, which later became Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

Martyrdom and Legacy

St. Andrew met a martyr’s death in the city of Patras, in the Peloponnesus region of Greece. According to early Christian tradition, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, known as a saltire, as he felt unworthy to die on the same type of cross as Jesus. While enduring the agony of crucifixion, St. Andrew is said to have preached to onlookers for two days until he died. This selfless dedication has immortalized him as a symbol of faith and perseverance.

Patronage and Veneration

St. Andrew is honored as the patron saint of several nations, including Russia, Greece, and Scotland. In Scotland, the saltire cross, known as St. Andrew’s Cross, forms the basis of the national flag. According to legend, relics of St. Andrew were brought to the Scottish town of St. Andrews by a monk named St. Rule in the 8th century, leading to widespread devotion and the establishment of the town as a pilgrimage site.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Feast Day: St. Andrew’s feast day is celebrated on November 30, marking the beginning of Advent in the Western Christian liturgical calendar.
Relics and Traditions: St. Andrew’s relics, including his skull, were preserved in the city of Patras before being transferred to the Cathedral of Amalfi in Italy. Some relics were later returned to Patras by Pope Paul VI in 1964 as a gesture of reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
St. Andrew and the Fishermen: As a fisherman by trade, Andrew is a patron saint of fishermen and fishmongers. His connection to the sea has led to widespread devotion among coastal communities.
The St. Andrew’s Prayer: A traditional Catholic prayer in honor of St. Andrew is often recited in the nine days leading up to Christmas. It begins, “Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary…” This prayer is a powerful preparation for the birth of Christ.
Connection to the Ecumenical Patriarchate: St. Andrew is considered the patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Patriarch of Constantinople, regarded as the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians, traces his apostolic succession to St. Andrew.

Quotes About St. Andrew

St. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, praised Andrew for his zeal, saying, “After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and learned from Him, he did not keep this treasure to himself but hastened to share it with his brother.”
A prayer attributed to St. Andrew before his crucifixion is recorded in tradition: “Hail, precious cross, that has been consecrated by the body of my Lord, and adorned with His limbs as with rich jewels. I come to you exulting and glad; receive me with joy into your arms.”

St. Andrew’s legacy as a humble yet zealous apostle lives on in the hearts of Christians worldwide. His story reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the importance of sharing the Good News. As the first disciple to follow Jesus, Andrew set an example of unwavering devotion, evangelistic fervor, and profound humility that continues to inspire countless believers today.