- Andrew the “First Called”
- St. Andrew in Scripture
- Legacy
- Prayers
- Patronage
- Related Saints
- Related Prayers
Overview
- Birth: 1st Century
- Location: Bethsaida
- Death: 60 AD
- Beatification: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Canonized: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Feast Day: November 30th
- Patron Saint of: fishermen and countries
Andrew the “First Called”
Known as the “first called,” St. Andrew was formerly a disciple of John the Baptist.
When John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God, Andrew departed and followed after Christ. The next day, after spending the evening with Jesus, Andrew runs to his brother Simon Peter and tells him with great joy that they have found the Messiah. Andrew then brings Simon Peter and introduces him to the Lord.
Jesus calls both of them to follow Him as Apostles, and they remain His companions throughout His public ministry. Although St. Andrew was the first called, he humbly recognizes the unique office entrusted to his brother and models for us.
St. Andrew in Scripture
Saint Andrew’s presence is woven throughout the New Testament. From his initial encounter with John the Baptist to his unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel, Saint Andrew has a significant role in the early Church. Here are the times he’s been mentioned in the Bible:
- Andrew is introduced as one of the disciples of John the Baptist. When John identifies Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” Andrew and another disciple immediately follow Jesus. Andrew then brings his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus, who declares him “Peter” and makes him a cornerstone of his church (Matthew 16:18).
- Jesus calls Andrew and his brother Peter to become “fishers of men” while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-20)
- Andrew and Peter heal Peter’s mother-in-law from a fever (Mark 1:29-31)
- Andrew is listed among the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:14)
- Andrew is among the apostles who gather in the Upper Room after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:13-14)
Legacy
After Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, Andrew spread the message of Christianity throughout Greece, Asia Minor, and Scythia. He was known for his impassioned preaching and his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Andrew’s efforts played a significant role in spreading the Gospel to these regions. Tradition holds that Andrew eventually faced martyrdom in Patras, Greece. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross, now known as a saltire, which became a symbol of his martyrdom and is still used today by the Scottish flag.
St. Andrew Prayers
Because St. Andrew brought his brother, St. Peter, to Jesus, he is known for bringing our prayers to Christ. A powerful prayer associated with him is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. This prayer focuses on the sacred moment of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and asks God to grant our spiritual needs.
O good cross,
made beautiful by the body of the Lord,
long have I desired thee,
ardently have I loved thee,
unceasingly have I sought thee,
and now thou art ready for my eager soul.
Receive me from among men and restore me to my Master,
so that He, who redeemed me through thee,
shalt receive me through thee.
Amen.
O glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to be called by our Lord, and with courageous love, you died a martyr’s death and offered your life’s blood to build the Kingdom. Stir in our hearts a desire to save souls and to do all things for the glory of God. We commend to your powerful intercession our longing to construct a magnificent house of God. May it be a sacred dwelling worthy of His presence that will inspire many souls to follow Christ with your same passion and sacrifice. Replace our worldly fears with trust and courageous love, that God’s grace may inspire generosity with the gifts he has given us. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Source)
First-Called Apostle of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, first-called follower of the Church, most praiseworthy Andrew! We honor and glorify your Apostolic labors, we lovingly commemorate your blessed coming to us, we remember and revere your honorable sufferings by crucifixion, which you beared for Christ; we venerate your sacred relics, we honor your holy memory, and firmly believe that the Lord lives and that your soul lives as well.
You remain with him for all ages in heaven, where you have the same love for us as when you, in the Holy Spirit, foresaw our conversion to Christ. You not only love us, but pray also for us unto God, seeing all our needs in His light.
Thus we believe and in our faith we confess, O Saint Andrew, blessed Apostle of the Lord, we ask and pray our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ that by your prayers, always heard and accepted by Him, He may grant us sinners all those things needful unto our salvation and holiness.
As you, according to the Lord’s voice, promptly left your nets and followed him unwaveringly, may each of us seek not that which is for ourselves, but think rather of the care and consolation of our neighbor and may support our neighbor’s higher spiritual calling. And, having you as a representative and intercessor, we have hope in your prayers, which avail much before our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs all glory, honor and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto ages of ages.
Amen
(Source)
Saint Andrew, pray for us!
Patronage
- Shrine to St. Andrew – Edinburgh, Scotland
- Saint Andrew Parish – Coral Springs, Fla.
- Saint Andrew Parish – Chicago, Ill.
- Church of Saint Andrew – New York, N.Y.
- St. Andrew Church – Pasadena, Calif.
- St. Andrew Community Medical Center – Panama City, Fla.
- Saint Matthew
- Saint Mary Magdalene
Related Prayers
- St. Andrew Christmas Novena
- How to Pray with the Gospels
- How to Pray the Lord’s Prayer
- Contemplative Prayer
