St Andrew

Saint Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. His brother was Saint Peter.  Andrew and his brother were fishermen. They were followers of Saint John the Baptist before Jesus called them to be ‘fishers of men’. After Jesus’ death, Andrew preached in Greece until he died in about 70AD. He was reportedly killed by crucifixion, by being hung on a wooden cross that was X-shaped.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Russia because it is believed that Andrew preached in Russia, telling many people about Jesus. He is also the patron saint of Scotland because, according to one story, Saint Rule brought the bones of Saint Andrew from Greece to Scotland to keep them safe. He built a small church to protect the relics and many years later, in the 1100s, Saint Andrew’s Cathedral was built in the same place and the town was re-named St Andrews. It became a place of pilgrimage and people travelled from across the world to visit there. The X-shaped cross is now depicted on the Scottish flag as a reminder of St Andrew.

Saint Andrew’s feast day is celebrated every year on 30^th November.