Saint Andrew facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrew the Apostle
Saint Andrew by Artus Wolffort
Apostle
Born	Early 1st century Bethsaida, Judea, Roman Empire
Died	Mid- to late 1st century Patras, Achaia, Roman Empire
Venerated in	All of Christianity
Canonized	Apostolic age by Pre-congregation
Feast	30 November
Attributes	Old man with long (in the East often untidy) white hair and beard, holding the Gospel Book or scroll, sometimes leaning on a saltire
Patronage	Scotland, Barbados, Ukraine, Russia, Sicily, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Patras, Diocese of Parañaque, City of Manila, Amalfi, Luqa (Malta) and Prussia; Diocese of Victoria fishermen, fishmongers and rope-makers

Saint Andrew's flag

Saint Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. An apostle is a special follower chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings. Andrew is known as the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland, Romania, and Ukraine. A patron saint is like a special protector or guide for a place or group of people.

Andrew was crucified on a cross that was turned sideways, making it look like an "X". This type of cross is now often called a Saint Andrew's Cross or a saltire. The Saint Andrew's Cross is a very important symbol. It is even on the official flag of Scotland.

On Saint Andrew's Day, which is November 30th, many people in Scotland celebrate. They often wear a thistle, which is Scotland's national flower.

Who Was Saint Andrew?

Saint Andrew was born in a town called Bethsaida in Judea, which was part of the Roman Empire. He was a fisherman, just like his brother, Saint Peter. Both brothers lived near the Sea of Galilee.

His Life and Calling

Andrew was first a follower of John the Baptist. John the Baptist was a prophet who prepared people for Jesus's arrival. When John pointed out Jesus as the "Lamb of God," Andrew immediately decided to follow Jesus. He then brought his brother, Peter, to meet Jesus too. This shows how eager Andrew was to share his faith with others.

Andrew became one of Jesus's closest followers. He was present for many important events in Jesus's life. For example, he was there when Jesus fed a large crowd of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish. Andrew was the one who found the boy with the food.

His Journeys and Teachings

After Jesus went to heaven, Andrew traveled to many different places to share the Christian message. Stories say he traveled to areas like Greece, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and even parts of what is now Russia and Ukraine. He helped many people learn about Jesus and become Christians.

His Death and Legacy

Saint Andrew is believed to have died in Patras, a city in Greece. He was crucified, but he felt he was not worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. So, he asked to be crucified on an X-shaped cross. This type of cross is now strongly linked to him.

His feast day is celebrated on November 30th each year. This day remembers his life and his work as an apostle. Because of his travels and his strong faith, Saint Andrew is honored by Christians all over the world. He is a symbol of courage and dedication.

Saint Andrew's Day

Saint Andrew's Day is a national holiday in Scotland. It's a day for Scottish people to celebrate their culture and heritage. People often enjoy traditional Scottish food, music, and dancing. It's a time for communities to come together and remember the patron saint of their country.

Related pages

• Twelve Apostles

Images for kids

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  The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew by Caravaggio (1603–1606)

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  Martyrdom of Saint Andrew in the Nuremberg Chronicle

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  Saint Andrew of Patras cathedral, where Saint Andrew's relics are kept

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  Statue of Andrew in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran by Camillo Rusconi (1713–1715)

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  A 13th-century fresco depicting Saint Andrew, from Kintsvisi Monastery, Georgia

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  Fifth-century fresco of Saint Andrew at St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

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  Entrance to Saint Andrew's caves near Ion Corvin, Constanța County

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  Saint Andrew's prophecy of Kiev, depicted in the Radzivill Chronicle

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  Saint Andrew (carving c.1500) in the National Museum of Scotland

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  Traditional stone fireplace in northern England. The carved Saint Andrew's cross in the left-hand wooden post was to prevent witches from flying down the chimney. In Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole.

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  Monument to Andrey Pervozvanniy in Kyiv, Ukraine. The sculptors were Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk.

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  Saint Andrew the Apostle by Yoan from Gabrovo, 19th century

See also

In Spanish: Andrés el Apóstol para niños