November 30 | Saint Andrew the Apostle

Born: early first century 

Died: mid to late first century 

Nationality: Israeli 

Vocation: apostle and martyr 

Attributes: X-shaped cross, fishing net

Patronage: Scotland, Barbados, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Patras, Burgundy, fisherman, rope-makers, textile workers, singers, miners, pregnant women, protection against sore throats 

Canonization: pre-congregation 

St. Andrew was a fisherman in Galilee and the brother of Simon Peter. As told in the Gospel of John, Andrew was Christ’s first disciple (the Protoclete) and brought the news to Peter that he found the Messiah. Both were called to be Christ’s apostles and members of his “inner circle” of friends.  

Tradition holds that he spread Christianity to Russia and Asia minor. He was martyred in Greece by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. 

Some of his remains lie in a cathedral crypt in Italy and produce a substance with reportedly miraculous qualities twice a year. The substance is referred to as “St. Andrew’s Manna.”  

St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us.