Lives Of The Saints
November 30
St. Andrew
Andrew is remembered first as the apostle who heard Christ, followed Him, and then brought his brother. That pattern of receiving and handing on is more important than the later picturesque legends.
Saint Andrew, Gerard Seghers
Brief life
The account of Andrew begins with the solid New Testament witness: the fisherman of Bethsaida, brother of Peter, disciple of John the Baptist, and first of Christ's followers to recognize the Lamb of God and bring another to Him. Andrew appears quietly but memorably through the Gospel scenes, and little can be said with confidence about his later life beyond a few early notices such as the tradition that he preached in Scythia.
The much fuller stories about Patras, the manner of his martyrdom, and his relation to Scotland deserve respect but also caution, because most of them come from apocryphal acts and later legend rather than from secure early witness.
Historical note
This life gives clear priority here to the biblical Andrew and treats the later stories about Patras, the X-shaped cross, and Scotland much more cautiously.
Next step
Christmas Novena I (St. Andrew Novena)
A novena connected to this saint is in the library.
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Nearby saint lives
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