Saint Andrew, Apostle

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Saint Andrew was a fisherman from Bethsaida and the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew, Peter, and John the Evangelist were the first of the disciples of Christ. While a disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew, who was still a young man at the time, showed his ardent desire to give himself to a radical search for and service of the truth.

He demonstrated his willingness to leave all and follow God the day after the Baptism of Jesus: “John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” (Jn. 1:35-37)

Andrew also showed his love for his brother as well as his apostolic zeal when, convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, he sought out his brother: “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah." Then he brought him to Jesus.” (Jn. 1:40-42)

Saint Andrew is said to have spread the Gospel in Russia and Asia Minor after Pentecost. He was crucified by the Romans in Greece on an X-shaped cross which is now his distinctive symbol as well as the symbol of Scotland, of which he is the patron.

Some of his remains were brought to Scotland in the fourth century though parts of his skeleton lie in the crypt of the cathedral in Amalfi, Italy, where they are removed twice a year and produce a clear, water-like substance called “manna” which is said to have miraculous attributes.

Below is a traditional prayer that is prayed 15 times daily from today, the Feast of Saint Andrew, until Christmas. In this prayer we ask for help in our needs by the merits of that most awesome moment in human history: when the Eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It is a prayer that helps us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

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 the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.