St. Andrew

Feast Day: November 30

“Come and see.” – John 1:39

St. Andrew, one of the twelve apostles and the brother of St. Peter, is honored for his immediate response to Christ’s call and his role in bringing others to Jesus. His feast day, celebrated on November 30, commemorates his faithful discipleship and missionary zeal.

The First-Called Apostle

Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. Along with his brother Simon Peter, Andrew worked as a fisherman. Before following Jesus, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. It was John who pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, leading Andrew to seek out Jesus for himself.

Andrew is often called the “Protokletos”, meaning “First-Called”, because he was among the very first to follow Christ. Upon meeting Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon Peter and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41), bringing him to Jesus.

A Life of Missionary Zeal

After Pentecost, tradition holds that Andrew traveled widely to preach the Gospel, bringing the message of Christ to Greece, Asia Minor, and possibly as far as modern-day Ukraine and Russia, where he is highly venerated.

Andrew’s missionary work was marked by courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to leading others to Christ, just as he had done with his own brother.

Martyrdom on the Cross

St. Andrew was martyred in Patras, Greece, under Roman persecution. According to tradition, he was sentenced to die by crucifixion but requested to be tied to a cross in the shape of an “X”, feeling unworthy to die on the same type of cross as Jesus. This form of crucifixion became known as the “St. Andrew’s Cross”, a symbol still seen today in many flags and Christian imagery.

Andrew died after two days on the cross, continuing to preach to the crowds who gathered to witness his death.

Patron Saint and Legacy

St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, fishermen, and sailors, as well as many Christian communities around the world. His cross appears on the flag of Scotland, the Union Jack of the United Kingdom, and other national symbols.

A Model of Evangelization and Faith

St. Andrew’s life is a beautiful witness to the power of personal invitation. His first act as a disciple was to bring others to Christ, a mission that continued throughout his life and even in his death.

St. Andrew, pray for us!