St. Andrew
St. Andrew is indeed the most beloved of the Apostles of Christ. And yet, very few are aware of the tremendous work this amazing Saint did in the Vineyard of Christ.
He was a giant among men. His feats of bravery and faith are without equal in the Christian world. Andrew is called Protokletos which means "the first-called" because he was the first to be called to serve as an Apostle of Christ. Andrew and his brother Peter were fishermen, and they lived in the ancient city of Beth-Saida. Andrew became a follower of St. John the Baptist and was eager to serve God. He quickly accepted Christ as his personal saviour and became one of the greatest missionaries in all history. When the Apostles drew lots to determine where they would preach the message of salvation, it was St. Andrew who was destined to preach in Asia Minor, Greece and in the area of that is now known as Constantinople and areas along the Black Sea Coast.
According to Holy Tradition, St. Andrew is reported to have brought thousands upon thousands of people to Christ. His enthusiasm for the New Faith was overpowering. He preached with great vigor and vitality. He loved Christ and told about the virtues of Christian living to all who would listen. In many cities he was known to have converted entire congregations at one time. In the ancient city of Amison near the Black Sea, he is reported to have converted over 300 people gathered together in a Synagogue for services. He was beloved by all, and people came by thousands to hear his inspiring sermons.
The residents of Sinope (Asia Minor) erected a beautiful throne in honor of St. Andrew (which the faithful still cherish to this day) and his brother Peter who had visited this city to see his brother Andrew. Andrew returned to Jerusalem to visit with the other Apo,stles and to attend the First Council of the Apostles (50 A.D.) Andrew was also anxious to meet St. Paul who had become an Apostle of Christ. St. Andrew ordained more Priests and Bishops than all of the other Apostles combined. He founded parishes throughout Asia Minor, Pontus, Bithynia, Thrace, Macedonia, Greece, Skythia (Russia, where he is still con- sidered the Patron Saint of all Russia) and Byzantium. (Byzantium was later called Constantinople.)