Who is St. Andrew?
According to Matthew's Gospel, Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter, were the first disciples Jesus invited to "follow him." Both Andrew and his brother were fishermen. They came from the town of Bethsaida, on the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus called Andrew and Peter to follow him, he promised to make them "fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19). The Gospel of John suggests that Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist, and having heard John testify to the truth about Jesus, he went and followed Jesus; then he found his brother and brought him to Jesus (John 1:35-42). Regardless, we know that Andrew was an early follower of Jesus, one who was present for a great many important events.
There are many traditional stories and legends about Andrew, and there are many peoples and countries who pray with him and remember his legacy. Perhaps most well known is that Andrew is the patron saint of fishermen - and somewhere around the 10th century, became the patron saint of Scotland.
Andrew is said to have been crucified in Patras. There is some debate as to how he was crucified. Early tradition would have it that he was bound to a cross -- another tradition suggests that he was crucified on an "X" shaped cross because he did not believe himself worthy to die in the same was as Jesus. Common symbolism for Andrew therefore includes an X (see the flag of Scotland) - known as :St. Andrew's Cross". This cross appears in a great many places around our sanctuary and we've taken up Andrew's shield as our logo.
Here at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, we are inspired by his eagerness to follow after Jesus. We hope to honor him by following his example. Like him, we seek to follow Christ, to bear witness to the truth, and to share this good news with the world. Like him, we hope God will work through us - to call others to the faith and to feed the faithful on their journey. We pray that we might, like Andrew, not only be good disciples but help others to be disciples as well.
There are many traditional stories and legends about Andrew, and there are many peoples and countries who pray with him and remember his legacy. Perhaps most well known is that Andrew is the patron saint of fishermen - and somewhere around the 10th century, became the patron saint of Scotland.
Andrew is said to have been crucified in Patras. There is some debate as to how he was crucified. Early tradition would have it that he was bound to a cross -- another tradition suggests that he was crucified on an "X" shaped cross because he did not believe himself worthy to die in the same was as Jesus. Common symbolism for Andrew therefore includes an X (see the flag of Scotland) - known as :St. Andrew's Cross". This cross appears in a great many places around our sanctuary and we've taken up Andrew's shield as our logo.
Here at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, we are inspired by his eagerness to follow after Jesus. We hope to honor him by following his example. Like him, we seek to follow Christ, to bear witness to the truth, and to share this good news with the world. Like him, we hope God will work through us - to call others to the faith and to feed the faithful on their journey. We pray that we might, like Andrew, not only be good disciples but help others to be disciples as well.
Want to know more?If you're interested in knowing more about how we live out our faith and seek to follow St. Andrew's example, please click here.
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