St. Andrew the Apostle

One of the First Called

The Gospels tell us that Jesus called Andrew and Peter while they were fishing:

"Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." (Matthew 4:19)

Andrew immediately left his nets and followed Jesus. His willingness to answer God's call has inspired Christians for nearly two thousand years.

Andrew in the Gospels

Although Andrew is mentioned less frequently than Peter, he appears at several important moments in Jesus' ministry:

• He brought Peter to Jesus.

• He introduced the boy with the five loaves and two fish before the feeding of the five thousand.

• He helped bring Greek visitors who wished to meet Jesus.

• He was among the first witnesses to Christ's ministry and resurrection.

Throughout the Gospels, Andrew is often found connecting people with Christ.

Andrew the Missionary

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Christian tradition holds that Andrew traveled widely preaching the Gospel. Various traditions place his ministry in regions around the Black Sea and Greece.

According to ancient accounts, Andrew was martyred in the city of Patras in Greece. Tradition says that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, now commonly known as "St. Andrew's Cross." Because he considered himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus, he requested a different form of crucifixion.

Patron Saint of Scotland

St. Andrew is the patron saint of several countries, most notably Scotland. According to tradition, relics of Andrew were brought to Scotland in the early centuries of Christianity, and devotion to him became deeply rooted in Scottish identity.

The white diagonal cross on Scotland's national flag, known as the Saltire, represents the cross associated with St. Andrew.

Why St. Andrew Matters Today

Andrew's example remains relevant for Christians today because he reminds us that discipleship often begins with a simple invitation. He was not the most prominent apostle, nor the most outspoken, but he consistently brought people to Jesus.

His life encourages us to:

• Listen for God's call.

• Share our faith with others.

• Welcome newcomers.

• Serve with humility.

• Trust Christ enough to leave our "nets" behind when God calls us forward.

St. Andrew and Our Parish

As a parish bearing St. Andrew's name, we seek to follow his example by:

• Welcoming all who seek Christ.

• Growing in faith through worship, learning, and service.

• Sharing God's love with our community.

• Inviting others into the life of the Church.

Like Andrew, we are called to be disciples who help others encounter Christ.

Feast Day

The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Andrew on November 30 each year.

It is one of the principal feasts of the Christian calendar and a time to give thanks for the witness of the apostle whose faith and invitation continue to inspire the Church today.

Collect for St. Andrew, November 30

I: “Almighty God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by thy holy Word, grace to follow thee without delay, and to bring those near to us into thy gracious presence; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

II: “Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”