SAINT ANDREW (above), brother of Simon Peter, born at Bethsaida, was first a disciple of
John the Baptist. Afterwards both the brothers were called by Jesus, on the Sea of Galilee, before all the
other apostles, with the words: "Come, follow me, and I will make you fish for people" (Mark 1:17).
Immediately they left all, and became faithful disciples of Jesus, and witnesses of his deeds and sufferings,
of his resurrection and ascension.
After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Andrew travelled through Scythia, Epirus, and Thrace,
and by his teachings and miracles converted vast numbers to Christ.
As he was preaching at Patras, a city of Achaia, he was violently threatened by the proconsul Ageas,
to offer a sacrifice to the idols; but Andrew bravely answered him,
“Everyday I offer a sacrifice to God.I offer the body and blood of Jesus Christ,my Lord and my God in the
bread and wine of the Mass”
Ageas, enraged, committed him to prison, and on the following day had him scourged; and when Andrew persevered
in his declaration, condemned him to be put to death by crucifixion.
When he saw the cross, the instrument of, his death, he greeted it with joy, embraced it, and said,
"O good cross, that was glorified with the body of Christ,
I have long desired you;
I have fervently loved you;
I have continually sought you.
Now you are made ready for me,
according to the wish of my heart, take me away from this world,
and restore me again to my Master, Jesus Christ that through you I may come to him who through you has
redeemed me."
After this he was nailed to the cross. Two days he remained hanging there, preaching faith in Jesus,
until his soul was taken up to be with Jesus whom he had so ardently desired to resemble in the manner of his
death