Saint Andrew, Apostle
November 30th

As one of the disciples blessed to be called an Apostle, according to the Gospel of John, St. Andrew was the first of the Twelve to be led to Christ. One day, John the Baptist was with two of his disciples “and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus… Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. (John 1:36-37, 40). Andrew began following Jesus after a simple indication from John the Baptist, without ever hearing a word come out of Jesus’ mouth. What incredible faith! In the same light, we could also consider him the very first evangelist, since after meeting Jesus and finding out where he was staying, he immediately went to find his brother Peter and bring him to the Lord as well. All he had to say was, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). And that is how his mission began, following the Messiah and learning all he could from Him so as to continue leading others to Him. After Christ’s death and resurrection, Tradition holds that Andrew preached in modern day Greece and Turkey. He was crucified at Patras on an X-shaped cross because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Our Lord. St. Andrew, intercede for us, that we too may become disciples and evangelists for Christ. 
—Tami Urcia