St. Andrew the Apostle Medal

St. Andrew the Apostle Biography

St. Andrew was one of the twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. He was brother of Simon Peter, born in Bethsaida of Galilee, both of whom were fishermen. From St. John’s Gospel we learn that Andrew was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, whose testimony led him and St. John, the beloved disciple, to follow the Savior.

According to the Bible, Andrew was a fisherman and lived in Bethsaida, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. He was a disciple of John the Baptist, before becoming one of the first followers of Jesus. He is believed to have been present at the feeding of the five thousand and the transfiguration of Jesus.

Andrew is said to have preached the gospel in modern-day Turkey, Greece, and the Black Sea region. He is credited with bringing many converts to Christianity and is believed to have suffered martyrdom in the city of Patras, in Greece, where he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which later became known as the Saint Andrew’s cross.

Tradition states that after his death, his remains were taken to Constantinople, and later to the city of Amalfi, in Italy. From there, they were brought to Scotland, where they were interred in the town of St. Andrews, which was named in his honor.

Andrew is venerated as a saint by the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches. His feast day is celebrated on November 30th, and it is a holy day in Scotland.

The flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire or Saint Andrew’s Cross, is said to be based on the X-shaped cross on which Andrew was crucified. Additionally, the Russian navy adopted a flag depicting Saint Andrew’s Cross to honor him, as he is also considered the patron saint of Russia

In art, Saint Andrew is often depicted holding an X-shaped cross or a fish. He is also one of the four Evangelists, and his symbol is an “X” to represent the cross on which he was martyred.

Some Christian tradition also states that Andrew was martyred during the reign of Nero in 60-70 AD, thus making him one of the twelve apostles who saw Jesus in person during his human life and also one of the first Christian martyrs.

The Life of St. Andrew

Andrew immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and hastened to introduce to Him his brother Peter, who eventually was to be the rock upon which Jesus would found His Church. On the occasion of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, it was Andrew who pointed out the boy who had “five barley loaves and two fishes”. A few days before the death of Jesus, certain Greeks asked Philip that they might see Him. Philip referred the matter to Andrew, as to one of greater authority, and then both told the Master.

Andrew was present at the Last Supper; saw the Risen Savior; witnessed the Ascension; shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost, and endeavored to establish the Faith in Palestine amidst threats and persecution. St. Andrew was crucified for the Faith at Patras in Greece, by order of the Roman Governor, during the reign of Nero, on November 30 in the year 60. He was bound, not nailed, to the cross, in order to prolong his sufferings.

Outstanding in his martyrdom is the greeting wherewith he welcomed the cross on which he was to die: “Hail. precious cross, receive the disciple of Him Who hung upon thee, Christ, my master. Hail, O Cross, which art consecrated by the body of Christ, and art adorned by his members as with pearls. — Receive the disciple of Him who hung upon thee, Christ, my master.”

Prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle

Prayer of intercession as you put on the St. Andrew the Apostle Medal

O Glorious St. Andrew, you
were the first to recognize and
follow the Lamb of God.
With your friend St. John you
remained with Jesus for that first
day, for your entire life, and
now throughout eternity.
As you led your brother St. 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.
Amen.

---

 

Popular St. Andrew Items

A St. Andrew the Apostle medal or a St. Andrew rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. Andrew as their confirmation name. As the patron saint of farmers and fishermen, wearing a St. Andrew medal daily is a perpetual prayer for St. Andrew to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Andrew pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you live each moment of your life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Andrew and pray for their intercession and protection.

St. Andrew the Apostleis the patron saint of cattlemen, butchers, farm workers and fishermen

St. Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint of Scotland, Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. He is also invoked for good health, against sore throat and gout, and for the safe delivery of a baby. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and is believed to have been a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee before becoming a disciple of Jesus. According to Christian tradition, St. Andrew preached in modern-day Turkey and Greece before being martyred in Greece. He is considered the founder of the Church of Byzantium, and is said to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is now known as the Saint Andrew’s Cross and forms part of the Scottish and Romanian flag. “

Reflection on the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle

The feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle is November 30th.

St. Andrew, also known as Andrew the Apostle, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of Peter. He is considered the patron saint of Scotland, Romania, and Russia, as well as of fishermen, sailors, and singers.

On his feast day, we remember the life and legacy of St. Andrew, and the lessons we can learn from him. One of the most important things to take away from the story of St. Andrew is his willingness to share the message of Christ with others. As a disciple of John the Baptist, he was among the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and immediately told his brother Peter about him.

Another important lesson we can learn from St. Andrew is his humility. Despite being one of the twelve apostles, Andrew is often depicted as a lesser-known figure in the Bible, and is often overshadowed by his brother Peter. However, this humility is a reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant actions, when done in the name of Jesus, can have a profound impact on others.

We can also learn from St. Andrew’s determination in spreading the word of God. He traveled to different places to share the message of Jesus, even in the face of persecution and opposition. He did not let the fear of rejection or persecution stop him from doing what he believed was right.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, let us reflect on the lessons we can learn from him, and be inspired by his example to share the message of Jesus with others, to be humble and to be determined in spreading the word of God.

In these ways, we can follow in the footsteps of St. Andrew and become true servants of Jesus, spreading his message of love and salvation to all those around us.

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Saints Similar to St. Andrew the Apostle

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Peter the Apostle. St. Andrew and St. Peter the Apostle were two of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. They were close companions of Jesus and played significant roles in the early spread of Christianity. St. Peter is often considered the leader of the apostles. Next up: Biography of St. Angela Merici

 

Also check out our handmade St. Andrew the Apostle Medal and St. Andrew the Apostle Rosary and St. Andrew the Apostle Rosary Bracelet.