Most of what is known about Saint Andrew is found in the Bible. Though there are many legends surrounding his later life, few actual facts are known for certain.
Despite this, it is known that as one of the twelve disciples, he was fundamental in the gaining of converts, which led to the formation of the early Church. As with the other disciples, he paid for his faith and preaching with his life, making him another early martyr to the Church and Christianity.
Birth and Family Circumstances of Andrew
Saint Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, another of the twelve disciples, were born to a man called Jonah or John. He was born at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee; his specific date of birth is unknown.
Little else is known of Saint Andrew's family or early life. When he and his brother reached adulthood, they became fishermen. They lived in Capharnaum, on Lake Genesareth.
Andrew is Called to Christ
Saint Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist, whom preached the coming of the Messiah. The Bible states that Saint Andrew immediately knew that Jesus was the Messiah, and introduced Jesus to his brother Simon Peter.
Little is specifically known about Saint Andrew's activities. It is known that he traveled with Jesus, as Jesus ranged up and down Israel preaching, but there are few references to his actual words or actions during this time period. It is stated in the Bible that he was present at the feeding of the 5,000 and at the Last Supper.
Andrew's Life After the Death of Christ
After Christ's death, there is little mention of Saint Andrew in the Bible. But records from churches, personal letters, and open letters to other groups of Christians give strong evidence that Saint Andrew preached the message of Christ far and wide. He is credited with preaching in many areas.
Palestine, obviously, before he was forced to flee, is listed as the first area he preached in. He is credited with not only preaching in Byzantium, but appointing St. Stachys, the first bishop of Byzantium. Saint Andrew is also rumored to have preached in Russia — as far as Kiev — and then in Scotland. Despite the lack of proof of his preaching in Russia and Scotland, he is the patron saint of both countries.
Death & Sainthood of Saint Andrew
Like the facts known about his life, the facts of his death also seem to be uncertain. He is said to have been tied to an "X" shaped cross, which was to cause the crucifixion to last longer and be more painful. The Roman Governor Aegates, or Aegeas, is said to have been the person who ordered the execution.
The date of his death is given as November 30, A.D. 60. The date of November 30 is his feast day in both the Eastern and Western Church. He is the patron saint of anglers and fisherman; spinsters, unmarried women, and women who wish to be mothers; against sore throats and stiff necks; and multiple locations.
Continued in His Faith to His Very Death
Saint Andrew's life can perhaps be best concluded with another story surrounding his death. It is known that he preached and won converts throughout his life, though the exact locations of his preaching might be unknown. Legend has that while tied to the cross and slowly dying, he still preached and spread the message of Christ. He spent the last two days of his life suffering, much as his Lord as suffered, yet he kept his faith and tried to win souls over to Christianity to the end.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY
Paul, Tessa. (2009). The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Saints. Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing Ltd. London, UK.
Rory, J Mac. (2007). Andrew, Apostle, Saint. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1914. Catholic Answers (2007), San Diego, CA. Link to Article.
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