St. Andrew (5BC-60AD)

Feast Day: November 30
Canonization: Pre-congregation
Patron of the disabled, blacksmiths, and workers

St. Andrew — the first Apostle — was St. Peter’s brother, later martyred by crucifixion in Patras, Greece, bound to an X-shaped cross.

According to the Gospels, Andrew was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Like Peter, Andrew was a fisherman.

The Gospel of Matthew says Christ was walking near the Sea of Galilee when He saw Andrew and Simon Peter fishing. Christ asked them to follow Him, telling them they would become “fishers of men.”

Andrew was an early disciple of St. John the Baptist, and baptized by him. The Gospels also say that Andrew told Christ first about the boy with the loaves and fishes.

Christian tradition holds that Andrew preached throughout the region that is today Greece and Turkey. His relics and cross of his crucifixion are said to be at the Church of St. Andrew in Patras.

St. Andrew is patron of fishermen, singers, and several countries including Scotland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. His saltire cross is featured on the flag of Scotland.