St. Andrew the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. Peter. A fisherman by trade, he became a follower of Christ after hearing John the Baptist preach. He is known for his missionary work and was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross in Greece. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, and Russia.
St. Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee. He was the brother of Simon Peter and worked as a fisherman before becoming a disciple of Jesus. According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was first a follower of John the Baptist, but upon hearing John declare Jesus as the "Lamb of God," he immediately sought out Christ and brought his brother Peter to Him. This act earned him the title "the First-Called" among the apostles.
Andrew played a significant role in Christ’s ministry, witnessing many of His miracles and teachings. He was present at key moments, such as the feeding of the five thousand, where he brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus. After Christ’s resurrection, Andrew dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, traveling to regions such as Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor.
Tradition holds that Andrew was martyred in Patras, Greece, during the reign of Emperor Nero. Refusing to deny Christ, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. However, out of humility, he asked to be crucified on an X-shaped cross rather than a traditional one, believing himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. This cross, now known as St. Andrew’s Cross, became a symbol associated with him.
St. Andrew’s relics were later transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine and eventually distributed to various locations, including Scotland, where he became the country’s patron saint. His feast day, November 30, is widely celebrated, especially in Scotland, where St. Andrew’s Cross is featured on the national flag.
St. Andrew's legacy as a devoted apostle and evangelizer continues to inspire Christians worldwide. His willingness to follow Christ, his missionary zeal, and his humble martyrdom remain powerful examples of faith and discipleship.