St. Andrew the Apostle

St. Andrew the Apostle was born in Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the brother of Simon Peter. Both were fishermen. From the fourth Gospel we learn that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, whose testimony first led him to follow Jesus. Andrew at once recognized Jesus as the Messias, and hastened to introduce Him to his brother, Peter. Thenceforth the two brothers were disciples of Christ.

It is generally agreed that he was crucified by order of the Roman Governor, Aegeas or Aegeates, at Patrae in Achaia, and that he was bound, not nailed, to the cross, in order to prolong his sufferings. His martyrdom took place during the reign of Nero, on 30 November, A.D. 60; and both the Latin and Greek Churches keep 30 November as his feast.

St. Andrew's relics were translated from Patrae to Constantinople, and deposited in the church of the Apostles there, about A.D. 357. When Constantinople was taken by the French, in the beginning of the thirteenth century, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought the relics to Italy and placed them in the cathedral of Amalfi, where most of them still remain. St. Andrew is honored as their chief patron by Russia and Scotland. His Feast Day is November 30.