November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew
“Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed).”
(John 1:40–41)
Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. A fisherman on the Sea of Tiberias, he left everything behind to follow the Savior and thus became a witness to the Gospel. After Pentecost, he became a missionary and traveled throughout Asia Minor to proclaim the Good News. He converted many pagans, comforted and healed the sick, and brought peace and love wherever he went. Unfortunately, he was arrested and sentenced to be crucified for preaching the Gospel. Being very humble, he asked not to die in the same manner as Christ; therefore, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross. This cross has since been called the “Cross of Saint Andrew.” His martyrdom took place in Patras, Greece. November 30 is the date traditionally associated with his martyrdom. However, this date is not established with certainty by various historical sources. November 30 is therefore based on liturgical tradition.
Celebrations of the Feast of Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew is celebrated by both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. On this day, Masses are generally held in memory of the martyred apostle. The liturgy honors his apostolic vocation, his humility, and his love for Christ.
In some parishes, particularly those under his patronage, the following events are organized:
- A solemn Mass in honor of the saint
- Times of prayer
- Opportunities to venerate his relics, when present
- Parish gatherings (such as meals, for example)
- Processions
In Patras, Greece—the site of St. Andrew’s martyrdom—the city celebrates its patron saint with great solemnity. After the liturgy, a procession carrying his relics and a large silver icon of the apostle winds its way through the city. This event has been held since 1836.
As the patron saint of Scotland, his X-shaped cross appears on the country’s flag, in white on a blue background. This symbol is called the Saltire. In addition, Saint Andrew is celebrated on November 30 during St. Andrew’s Day. This gives rise to cultural festivities such as concerts, traditional dances, and meals that honor Scottish culture. This holiday is therefore not only religious but also cultural and even national.
Who is Saint Andrew the patron saint of?
Saint Andrew is celebrated in many countries and by various professions, which pray to him especially on November 30.
He is therefore the patron saint of:
- Scotland
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Romania
- Greece
- Burgundy
- The Church of Constantinople
- Sicily
- Fishermen
- Fishmongers
- Singers
- Couples who turn to him in particular to start a family and welcome children into their home.
Saint Andrew is also considered the patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. As such, he holds a special place in relations between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches. Every year on November 30, a delegation from the Holy See travels to Constantinople to participate in the celebrations with the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Beautiful Prayers for the Feast of Saint Andrew
Prayer by Reverend Father Leonhard Goffiné
“Glory to you for all eternity, O most gracious Jesus, for having so kindly cast the eyes of your mercy upon poor sinners, in order to raise them to the sublime dignity of the Apostolate; and for not having chosen for this purpose the wise, the powerful, or the rich, but rather what is weak and foolish in the eyes of the world, so as to confound the wisdom and power of the world all the more! We implore You: cast a fatherly gaze upon us as well, who are Your weak children; call us, stir us up—or rather, draw us so closely to Yourself that nothing in the world may prevent us from following in Your footsteps. Rather, grant that, following the example of Saint Andrew, we may willingly accept from your hand whatever crosses you choose to send us, remembering that all who wish to live according to God must suffer persecution. We will therefore always glory in your holy Cross, in which our salvation rests. Amen.”
Prayer by His Grace the Duke of Fitz-James
“Great saint, who passed from the school of the blessed Forerunner to that of Jesus Christ, who left everything behind to devote yourself entirely to the Lamb of God, and whose apostolic labors were crowned by death—and by death on the Cross; please obtain for us the grace to attach ourselves only to the Divine Master, who has the words of eternal life, to become His disciples, to listen to Him assiduously, and to benefit from the divine lessons He gives us, whether in the Holy Gospel or through the mouths of our shepherds. May we, following your example and through your powerful intercession, renounce everything, in mind and heart; may we make use of the world as though we made no use of it at all; may we pass through temporal and perishable goods in such a way that we do not lose the eternal ones; that we may live here on earth as travelers and strangers; that we may be willing to lose everything rather than offend God; and finally, that we may indeed renounce everything that is a cause of our downfall and scandal, however dear or necessary it may seem to us. O blessed disciple of the Cross, who leapt for joy at the sight of the Cross to which you were to be nailed; may this ardent love for suffering make us blush at our lack of courage in the lightest of trials; may it inspire us to embrace wholeheartedly every opportunity to suffer, and to bear with patience, in a spirit of penance, in union with Jesus Christ, and even with joy, the various crosses that God sends us. As a faithful imitator of Jesus Christ crucified, may your example and your prayers sustain our weakness, so that our sole desire may be to live and die crucified with Jesus, to merit a share in the Glory He has won through His Cross. Amen.”
Continue your prayer with Saint Andrew thanks to Hozana!
- With this novena
- Receive draw closer to Christ!
- with this novena to Pauline Jaricot.
