saint Andrew, orthodox saints, Greece

St. Andrew
(1st century)

The first who was called to be an apostle of Christ. He was the elder brother of St. Peter and came from Bethsaida in Galilee. Before becoming a follower he was a fisherman.
After Christ was executed St. Andrew preached in Asia Minor and Greece. He was eventually crucified in Patras.
His relics were kept in Constantinople until 1210, when they were stolen. In the church of St. Andrew on Cephalonia a relic can be found.
There are many legends about St. Andrew. One tells us he was led to a ship by an angel, that took him to St. Matthew in Murgundia who had been disfigured and imprisoned. The saint found the prison door open, and went inside to heal St. Matthew. For this the people of the dragged the saint through the town, but were converted by him. Another legend tells us St. Andrew had a young nobleman from Antioch following him against the parent's wishes. They tried to burn the house the two men resided in, but the saint put the fire out with a glass of water. They then tried to enter the house, but were blinded and died five days later.

St. Andrew is the patron of Scotland, Russia and Greece, fishermen, spinsters, infertile wives, weddings and sore throats. He is usually depicted with a cross or fish.
Orthodox nameday: 30/11