Saint Andrew

NAME: Andrew (also known as Andrew the Apostle, Saint Andrew, and Protoklētos ("the First-called"))

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Being one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, the brother of Saint Peter, and the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, and Russia.

Artus Wolffort - St Andrew

BIRTH: Born between 5 and 10 AD in Bethsaida, a village on the Sea of Galilee.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Son of Jonah, a fisherman, and brother of Simon Peter, another apostle. Details about the rest of his family are unknown.

CHILDHOOD: Information about Andrew's childhood is scarce. He likely spent his early years helping his father in the fishing business.

EDUCATION: There's no mention of formal education in historical accounts. Andrew may have received basic education common at the time, but his primary influence likely came from his experiences in fishing and religious communities. Later, he would have been educated in the teachings of Jesus during his time as an apostle.

CAREER RECORD: Before meeting Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman like his brother. After accepting Jesus' call, he became a missionary, spreading the teachings of Christ throughout the Roman Empire.

APPEARANCE: Historical descriptions are lacking, but as a fisherman before becoming an apostle, he might have had a robust and weathered appearance. Artistic portrayals depict him as an elderly man with white hair and a beard, often wearing simple garments.

FASHION: Information is limited, but it is safe to assume he dressed modestly as befitting the social and cultural norms of his time.

CHARACTER: Described as enthusiastic, devoted, and a bridge builder, known for introducing others to Jesus.

Andrew was not a dominant person next to his outspoken older brother, Simon Peter. 

SENSE OF HUMOR: Historical accounts don't offer specific details about his sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Close to his brother, Peter, and other disciples. He is also said to have been married, but details are unclear.

MONEY AND FAME: As a missionary, he likely lived a simple life with minimal material possessions. Andrew didn't seek fame and focused on spreading the Christian message.

FOOD AND DRINK: As a fisherman, Saint Andrew likely had a diet that included fish. However, specific details about his culinary preferences are not documented.

MUSIC AND ARTS: There's no record of Andrew's specific engagement with music or art, though he may have encountered various artistic expressions in different cultures during his travels.

LITERATURE: He wouldn't have had access to a vast amount of literature due to the limitations of the time, but he likely relied on scripture and oral tradition for his knowledge.

Saint Andrew is prominently featured in religious texts, particularly the New Testament, where he is mentioned in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.

NATURE: As a fisherman who spent time on the Sea of Galilee, Andrew likely had an appreciation for nature.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Information about recreational activities is unknown.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Andrew's primary focus wasn't on scientific or mathematical pursuits, but on spreading his faith.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Andrew was devoted to the teachings of Jesus and actively preached the message of Christianity.

The title First-Called  stems from the Gospel of John, where Andrew, initially a disciple of John the Baptist, follows Jesus and, recognizing him as the Messiah, introduces his brother Simon Peter to him.

SCANDAL: No historical records mention any scandals associated with him.

MILITARY RECORD: He did not have a military career.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: As a fisherman, Andrew likely maintained a good level of physical fitness.

HOMES: At the beginning of Jesus' public life, Andrew and Peter were said to have occupied the same house at Capernaum.

Later, as an apostle, he would have traveled extensively, having no permanent residence. relying on the hospitality of others.

TRAVEL: As an apostle, Saint Andrew is believed to have traveled through Asia Minor and Greece, spreading the Christian message.

The Chronicle of Nestor, a historical text from the 12th century, mentions Saint Andrew preaching along the Black Sea and the Dnieper River, traveling as far as the location of modern-day Kyiv.

Some traditions suggest he went as far north as Novgorod, but this is less well-documented and disputed by some historians.

DEATH: Tradition states he was martyred by crucifixion in Patras, Greece, around 60 or 70 AD. The symbolism of his cross, which resembles an "X" shape, is associated with his martyrdom.

It is said that Saint Andrew preached for two days on the cross and the Roman governor Aegeas, who was present, was driven mad by the time he died.

Crucifixion of St. Andrew, by Juan Correa de Vivar (1540 - 1545)

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Saint Andrew has been featured in religious art, literature, and hymns. His life and martyrdom are often depicted in Christian traditions.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Saint Andrew's primary achievement lies in his role as an apostle and missionary, contributing to the early spread of Christianity. 

While Saint Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for centuries, he wasn't officially declared the patron saint until 1320. This occurred with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, a document asserting Scotland's independence from England. The declaration mentions Saint Andrew as the country's patron, solidifying his official status. 

The Feast of Saint Andrew, celebrated on November 30th, is an important day in the Scottish calendar. It is a day to honor the patron saint, and various events and festivities take place across Scotland on this occasion. The association between Saint Andrew and Scotland has remained strong throughout the centuries, making him a symbol of national identity for the Scottish people.

Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Amalfi (Italy), singers, spinsters, fishmongers, fishermen, gout and sore throats.

Source Encyclopaedia of Trivia