Saint Andrew the Apostle

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Saint Andrew the Apostle
Feast Day	November 30
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Scotland; Russia; Greece; fishermen; fishmongers; rope makers; against sore throat; against gout; brides
Birthplace	Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Death Place	Patras, Achaea, Roman Empire (now Greece)
Cause of Death	Martyrdom by crucifixion
Primary Shrine	Basilica of Saint Andrew, Patras, Greece

Saint Andrew the Apostle, also known as Protocletus (the first-called), was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Saint Peter, traditionally regarded as the founder of the Church in Byzantium (Constantinople) and the first bishop of Patras. According to the New Testament, Andrew, a Galilean fisherman from Bethsaida, was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus after the miraculous catch of fish (John 1:40–42; Matthew 4:18–20), bringing his brother Simon (Peter) to Christ and participating in key events like the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:8–9). Tradition holds he preached in Scythia and Greece, converting many before his martyrdom by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross (saltire) in Patras around 60 AD under Emperor Nero, where he preached for two days while bound.

Venerated as the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and fishermen, Andrew's feast day is November 30 in the Roman Rite and Eastern calendars, marking the start of Advent in some traditions. His relics, including the head at Amalfi Cathedral and finger at St. Andrew's Cathedral in Edinburgh, draw pilgrims, with hagiographic accounts of post-crucifixion preaching originating from 4th-century apocryphal acts, which cannot be verified historically. Evidence from Eusebius's Church History and early martyrologies confirms his apostolic role and martyrdom tradition, positioning him as a symbol of missionary zeal in Catholic ecclesiology.

Biography

Birth

Saint Andrew the Apostle was born in the 1st century AD in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee in Roman Palestine (modern Israel), to a Jewish family, as the brother of Simon Peter. Exact birth date unknown; hagiographic tradition holds he was a disciple of John the Baptist before encountering Jesus. Probabilistic inferences from Galilean demographics suggest a modest fisherman's upbringing in a devout Jewish community.

No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable beyond Scripture.

Early Life

Andrew worked as a fisherman with Peter in Capernaum, following John the Baptist until the Jordan baptism (John 1:35–40). He introduced Peter to Jesus, becoming one of the first disciples. Evidence from the Gospels confirms his role in the early ministry.

His early life centered on the Sea of Galilee's trade and faith.

Occupation

Andrew's occupation was fishing on the Sea of Galilee, partnering with Peter and the Zebedee sons (Matthew 4:18–22). As an apostle, he preached post-Pentecost, traditionally in Scythia and Greece. Historical context from Acts implies itinerant ministry.

This trade symbolized apostolic labor.

Vocation

Called by Jesus during fishing (Matthew 4:19), Andrew's vocation was apostleship, witnessing the Transfiguration and Passion. Tradition holds he founded the Church in Byzantium. Hagiographic accounts of Scythian missions cannot be confirmed.

His calling initiated Gentile evangelization.

Death

Saint Andrew met his end by martyrdom c. November 30, 60 AD, crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, preaching two days. This reflects tradition.

Significant events

• Called with Peter by Jesus (c. 27 AD).
• Introduced Peter to Christ (John 1:41).
• Participated in feeding of 5,000 (John 6:8).
• Preached in Scythia and Greece (c. 40–60 AD).
• Martyred in Patras (November 30, 60 AD).

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire (now Israel)
• Death location: Patras, Achaea, Roman Empire (now Greece)
• Notable location: Primary shrine with relics (Basilica of Saint Andrew, Agiou Andreou 40, 262 22 Patras, Greece)
• Notable location: Patronal cathedral (St Andrews Cathedral, The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AL, United Kingdom)
• Notable location: Co-cathedral with devotion (St. Andrew's Church, Valletta, Malta)
• Notable location: Relics of head (Basilica of St. Andrew, Amalfi, Italy)
• Notable location: Relics site (Church of St. Andrew, Mantua, Italy)

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Parishes

Saint Andrew the Apostle
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Media

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Shrines

Dynamic shrines

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List of shrines

Basilica of Saint Andrew

• 19th-century basilica over Andrew's martyrdom site, designated under Canon 1230 by the Metropolis of Patras for relic veneration and apostolic devotions, offering sacraments and November 30 feasts.
• Pilgrimage details: Agiou Andreou 40, 262 22 Patras, Greece; founded 1836; features X-cross, plenary indulgences; Metropolis of Patras.
• Facts: "Enshrines finger relic; annual saltire processions."

St. Andrews Cathedral

• Medieval Scottish cathedral dedicated to Andrew, serving as a pilgrimage site under Canon 1230 for national patron devotions with relic expositions.
• Pilgrimage details: The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AL, United Kingdom; 12th century ruins; November 30 services; Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
• Facts: "Patron of Scotland; site of royal inaugurations."

Co-Cathedral of St. Andrew, Valletta

• Baroque co-cathedral with Andrew's patronage, qualifying under Canon 1230 for Maltese pilgrimages and maritime blessings.
• Pilgrimage details: Valletta, Malta; 17th century; feast Masses; Archdiocese of Malta.
• Facts: "Knights of St. John dedication; fisherman's nets icons."

Cathedral of St. Andrew, Amalfi

• Italian cathedral housing Andrew's head relic since 1208, designated under Canon 1230 for relic veneration and fisher feasts.
• Pilgrimage details: Piazza Duomo, 84011 Amalfi, Italy; 11th century; November 30 processions; Archdiocese of Amalfi-Cava de' Tirreni.
• Facts: "Relic from Constantinople; annual sea blessing."

St. Andrew's Church, Mantua

• Renaissance church with relics, serving as a diocesan shrine under Canon 1230 for student devotions.
• Pilgrimage details: Via Fracassetti 2, 46100 Mantua, Italy; 15th century; annual liturgies; Diocese of Mantua.
• Facts: "Houses arm relic; ties to apostolic missions."

Canonization

Servant of God

As an apostolic figure, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-martyrdom.

Venerable

Not applicable.

Beatification

No beatification; cult approved early.

Canonization

Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in martyrologies by 4th century.

Miracles

As an apostle-martyr, no authenticated miracles required; tradition attributes net miracles. Devotion focuses on vocational graces.

Miracle for beatification

Not applicable.

Miracle for canonization

Not applicable.

Other notable miracles

• Miraculous fish catch calling him (John 21).
• Post-crucifixion preaching endurance.

Patronage

Saint Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, Greece, fishermen, fishmongers, rope makers, against sore throat, against gout, and brides.

Feast day

November 30

Veneration

Saint Andrew the Apostle is venerated through fisher blessings, net processions, and pilgrimages to Patras. Relics are kept at Basilica of Saint Andrew, Patras (finger). Saint Andrew the Apostle has been depicted in numerous artworks, including Caravaggio's paintings. Literature and media often portray Saint Andrew the Apostle in apostolic lives. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as St. Andrew's Day in Scotland.

Books

Written about the saint

• Andrew the Apostle: Patron of Fishermen

Written by the saint

No writings attributed to Saint Andrew the Apostle.

External links

• Catholic Online: St. Andrew the Apostle
• New Advent: St. Andrew the Apostle
• Franciscan Media: St. Andrew the Apostle
• Wikipedia: Andrew the Apostle