Saint Andrew was the brother of Saint Peter and, like him, a fisherman. He was a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, but on hearing him say one day, “Behold the Lamb of God!” pointing as he did so to our Blessed Lord, he immediately followed Him, and was the first called of the Apostles. He lost no time, after that, in bringing his brother to our Lord, who admitted him among His disciples, and changed his name from Simon to that of Peter. Saint Andrew carried the light of the Gospel into Scythia, Sogdiana, Colchis, Epirus, Pontus, and Achaia. He was apprehended by Egeas, the proconsul, imprisoned, and most cruelly beaten. He was crucified at Patras, in Achaia, on a cross in the form of the letter X; and after hanging on it for two days, preaching to the people, he gave up his blessed soul, encompassed by a great light, a.d. 69.
St. Andrew the Apostle (Feast Day: November 30)
St. Andrew (died c. AD 60–70) is one of the Twelve Apostles and the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Barbados, and many fishermen/seafarers. His feast day, November 30, is a major celebration in Scotland (national holiday – “Andrewmas” or St. Andrew’s Day) and a holy day of obligation in some Eastern Catholic churches.
Quick Facts
- Brother of St. Peter – Both were fishermen from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee.
- First-Called (Protokletos in Greek) – Jesus called him first (John 1:35–40).
- Introduced Peter to Jesus – “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).
- Missionary work – Tradition says he preached in Greece, Scythia (modern Ukraine/Russia), and around the Black Sea.
Martyrdom
Crucified in Patras, Greece, around AD 60–70 on an X-shaped cross (saltire) because he felt unworthy to die on the same kind of cross as Jesus. He reportedly preached for two days while hanging on the cross.
The white Saltire (X-cross) on blue background became the national flag of Scotland after his relics were brought there.
Relics & Traditions
- Relics translated to Constantinople (4th century), then some to St. Andrew’s, Scotland (8th century).
- Today: Parts in Patras (Greece), Amalfi (Italy), Edinburgh (Scotland), and Rome (returned by Pope Paul VI in 1964 as an ecumenical gesture).
Patron of
Scotland ● Russia ● Ukraine ● Greece ● Fishermen ● Singers ● Sore throats ● Unmarried women
St. Andrew Christmas Novena (Popular Prayer Starts Nov 30)
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born… (Pray 15 times daily from Nov 30 – Christmas Eve for a special intention.)
St. Andrew, First Apostle and Martyr – pray for us!
1130 St Andrew the Apostle 1p LETTER 20251124
Saint Andrew
“We have found the Messiah”
“Andrew, the brother of Peter, was first to run to Christ, and his heart burned to share the Lamb of God with all he met.”
“Andrew’s cross became his throne of glory, for in suffering for Christ, he reigned with Him in eternal life.”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g8veRMehDcESt Andrew’s Prayer
O Glorious St. Andrew,
you were the first to recognize and follow the Son of God.
With your friend, St. John,
you remained with Jesus,
for your entire life,
and now throughout eternity.
Just as you led your brother, St Peter,
to Christ and many others after him,
draw us also to Him.
Teach us how to lead them,
solely out of love for Jesus
and dedication to His service.
Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross
and carry our daily crosses without complaint,
so that they may carry us to God the Almighty Father.
Amen.
St Andrew’s Call
Brother of Simon Peter, you heard John the Baptist say: “Behold the Lamb of God,” and you chose to follow Jesus.
Leaving your nets, you became a successful fisher of souls.
Lover of the Crucified Christ, you too were crucified like him.
Teach us to live and suffer for Him and to win many souls for Christ.
Amen.
O Good Cross (O Bona Crux)
(A prayer reflecting St Andrew’s delight immediately prior to his crucifixion and death.)
“O good Cross, made beautiful by the body of the Lord: long have I desired you, ardently have I loved you, unceasingly have I sought you out and now you are ready for my eager soul. Receive me from among men and restore me to my Master, so that he who, by means of You, in dying redeemed me, may now receive me. Amen.”
Prayers to Saint Andrew
We humbly beseech Thy Majesty. O
Lord, that as the blessed Apostle
Andrew was once a teacher and ruler
of Thy Church, so he may ever be
our advocate with Thee. Through our
Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
O CHRIST, our Lord, Who didst
beautify the most blessed Andrew
with the grace of apostleship, and the
crown of martyrdom, by granting to
him this special gift, that by preaching
the mystery of the cross, he should
merit death on the cross; grant us to
become most true lovers of Thy holy
cross, and, denying ourselves, to take
up our cross and follow Thee; that by
sharing Thy sufferings in this life, we
may deserve the happiness of
obtaining life everlasting.
Amen.
St Andrew Novena Prayer to Obtain Favors
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and of His Blessed Mother.
Amen.
Stay connected — subscribe today
https://www.youtube.com/@st.michaelusa
SIGN UP SO YOU CAN GET A BLESSING !
https://stmichaelcenter.flocknote.com/StMichaelCenter
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK !
https://www.facebook.com/StMichaelCenter/
MAKE A DONATION SUPPORT YOUTH & ACTIVITIES
