NOV 30: Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle

Saint Andrew is the first apostle. He was the brother of Saint Peter. Born in Bethsaida, he and Simon Peter were fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. Initially, Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist, but then became a follower of Jesus. Andrew is credited with introducing his brother Simon Peter to Jesus where they both became one of the twelve.

According to his entry in Wikipedia Andrew preached in Asia Minor and in Scythia, along the Black Sea as far as the Volga and Kiev. Hence he became a patron saint of Ukraine, Romania and Russia. According to tradition, he founded the See of Byzantium (Constantinople)in AD 38, installing Stachys as bishop.


Saint Andrrew was martyred in Patras in Achaea on Nov 30 60 AD at the order of Roman Governor, Aegeates. It is said that he was crucified on an X shaped cross called a saltire. He was bound to the cross, not nailed to it to prolong his suffering. His feast day is Nov 30 in both the Latin and Greek churches.

St. Andrew's relics were initially kept in Patras, but were eventually moved to Constantinople. When the French took Constantinople in the 13th century his relics were moved to the cathedral of Amalfi in Italy, where most of them remain today.

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.

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Sources:
The Catholic Encyclopedia
Wikipedia - Saint Andrew
SQPN Saints