The life story of the Apostle Andrew
Andrei was born in Galilee. One day, having heard the sermons of John the Baptist, he followed him in the hope of finding answers to questions related to spiritual life. Returning home, he continued to fish. One day he met Jesus Christ and, leaving his occupation, followed him. Andrew was with the Savior until his death, and after the resurrection he was also present at the meeting during his ascension to heaven.
After the Lord God left the earth, the apostles determined the countries where everyone would go to preach the faith. Andrew fell to Scythia, states located parallel to the Black Sea and the north of the Balkan Peninsula.
After returning to Greece, he settled in the city of Patros, where he healed many sick people. This led to the fact that most of the inhabitants renounced paganism and accepted Christianity. The local ruler Egeat ordered the execution of the Apostle Andrew by crucifixion. But he was not afraid of death and did not renounce his faith, but only began to pray. Before his soul separated from his body, the cross on which he hung was illuminated by heavenly light, and the apostle departed to the kingdom of the Lord God.
Apostle Andrew the First-Called
Audio:
Kontakion 1
Let us praise the first-called Apostle of Christ, the Holy Preacher of the Gospel, the Russian country's God-inspired enlightener, Andrei the Most Glorious, with songs, standing on the verge of the hill, where we planted the Cross his right hand, and to him, as the supreme follower of the Church, who, after himself, showed her the path to Christ, let us cry in tenderness:
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Ikos 1
You were the angel of the good news of the Lamb Christ, who takes away the sins of the world, to Andrew the Apostle, and you will remain with Him forever in heaven; From there, look at the songs offered to you in your temple, in the place where your nose stands, and as you are rich in the grace of God, give us the word of goodness, that we may call you ́:
Rejoice, thou who shone forth for us from the city of Bethsaida;
Rejoice, equal honorable brother of the Supreme Peter.
Rejoice, disciple of the great Forerunner of Christ;
Rejoice, first of all, the apostle was called to apostolic service by the Lord Himself.
Rejoice, for you also cried out to others with joy: come, you have found the desired Messiah;
Rejoice and lead us to Him.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 2
Teacher, where do you live? - You asked, Andrei, the Savior of our souls and, having spent one day with Him, you loved for all your days the life of the Messiah you had found, and you brought your oldest brother to He's dumb. Likewise, do not cease to draw us, as your least brother, to Him, and we, following in your footsteps, cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having seen in you, Saint Andrew, a flame of faith and love, the Lord will again find you on the lake of Gennesaret, like a fisherman, together with your brother, sweeping deep into the depths, and speaking Vama: He is coming after Me, and I will make you a fisher of man. - You abiye followed Him and with the inspired word, like a dream, people caught Christ, and with him we, caught by you for salvation, preach to you:
Rejoice, for you learned from the Lord Himself how to fish more spiritually;
Rejoice, for on the same lake with the rest the apostles were overcome, and through faith you were saved in the Lord, who rebuked the wind and the sea.
Rejoice, you who have acquired great faith, when you saw the wonderful feeding of five thousand with five loaves of bread;
Rejoice, you have received the gift from the Lord to heal every ailment and every disease.
Rejoice, for a voice was heard from heaven by the Greeks who saw Christ;
Rejoice, for on the Mount of Olives the future was revealed to you at the end of the world.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 3
The Wanderings of the Lady and the Immortal Meal in the high place of Zion, having enjoyed, as a faithful friend of Christ, together with the other apostles, you saw the Lord and your God, from the Unworthy and Du You are Holy, you are ready to knit and solve the sins of people. And again, in the same upper room of Zionstei, there was an abundant outpouring of the promised Spirit in fiery heathens. Moreover, all the tribes were surprised that with their tongue you spoke of the greatness of God, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
We receive the commandment from the Lord to preach the Gospel to all creation, which has flowed around many cities and countries, Apostle Andrew, calling people to the knowledge of the True God and baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit; with him we too have been granted the grace of baptism. For this reason, let us write a note of thanksgiving to you:
Rejoice, faithful proclaimer of the miracles of Christ;
Rejoice at the Holy Gospel, loud preacher.
Rejoice, idolater service to the consumer;
Rejoice at the planter of true piety.
Rejoice, for according to your word people are reborn by water and the Spirit;
Rejoice, for through you the faithful of the Immortal Meal are communed.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 4
The power of God's autumn is yours, the First-Called Apostle, to proclaim the power and glory of the Son of God and to confirm all the faith in the Holy Trinity of those who are called. Likewise, keep us, who worship the One God in the Three Hypostases, in the green pasture of the faith of Christ, so that by the grace of the Holy Spirit I may bring forth sanctification, and sing loudly to Him: Halleluah ia.
Ikos 4
Having brought your brother Simon Peter to Christ, the First Called One, you went out with him to your apostolic service, first to Antioch and Sinope, and there, having defeated the demons of the army, from the bonds of prison with You freed your traveler Apostle Matthias, and you baptized those who were with him, to the Supreme Peter from there to the western countries flowing, you gave him a brotherly kiss, but you yourself labored well in the eastern workshop. Likewise, we, the people of the Eastern Church, bless you:
Rejoice, power of God, driving away armies of demons and breaking the bonds of prisons;
Rejoice, friend of the apostolic grace, which secretly frees us from the bonds of hell.
Rejoice, East and West with your God-wise brother, preaching for the sake of the word of God, dividing by lot;
Rejoice in the city of Sinope, having exposed the unbelief of the Jews by the power of your miracles.
Rejoice, for there you were from the godless for Christ’s sake;
Rejoice, for from the Lord Himself who appeared, healing of ulcers was granted to you.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 5
Having returned to the Holy City twice, and together with the Apostles, you celebrated the fiftieth day there, twice again you marched from Holy Zion, in order to preach Christ to the universe, first to John the confidante of the Lord, and therefore with Simon the Canaanite and Matthew, whose lot was appointed to become an apostle, and the whole borders of Asia and Pontus flowed around you, announcing the word of salvation to everyone, so that they could sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
From the Sea of Galilee to the Pontus Euxine apostolic land, spreading out your land and all the seas around, proclaiming your gospel with your gospel, you raised your eyes to the First Called One, and to the countries of Scythia, the Cross of Christ throughout erecting it as a sign of our salvation. For this reason we, even if we are born later, heeding your gospel and remembering your deeds, call to you:
Rejoice, in Nicaea you have tamed the fierce robbers and slain the fiercest dragon;
Rejoice, the Cross of Christ has been erected in the midst of this city, for He is the Forerunner of those gathered there twice, the Father of the God-bearing.
Rejoice, for in Asia and Pontus the light of Christ has risen by you;
Rejoice, as your apostolic rod has opened the foothills of the Caucasus to the light of Christ.
Rejoice, for the darkness of Cimmeria was illuminated;
Rejoice, for the universe has been filled with streams of living water.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 6
Possessed by a storm of passions and, like the waters of the ocean, agitated, the tribes of men, even though they did not know the True God, you brought, O apostle, to the quiet refuge of Christ and those hearts, but ki fragile boat overwhelmed by unbelief, you established it on the anchor of the Orthodox faith. Likewise, we, as children of the Orthodox faith, with a grateful heart and grateful lips cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
On the Mount of Olives, sometimes your Divine Teacher and the other apostles asked you, Andrei: Tell us, what is the sign of Your coming? - On the mountains of Kiev, as an organ of the grace of the Holy Spirit, you foretold the coming glory of this place; But we, having sowed the graces prophesied to us, having become worthy, tenderly cry out to you:
Rejoice, for you brought us the law of the Gospel from Mount Zion;
Rejoice, for the apostle of God rose to us along the waters of Voristhenes.
Rejoice, grace of the Jordan, for the sake of our baptism, this gift was given;
Rejoice on the mountains of Kiev the Cross of our salvation has been erected.
Rejoice, for the abundant outpouring of the grace of God was prophesied here;
Rejoice in the fact that the city is great and many churches are foreshadowed here.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 7
Today, in fulfillment of your prophetic voice, the glorious temple is adorned in the place where you foresaw things that do not exist, as you foresaw them through the gift of the Holy Spirit; Around it there is a great city with golden-topped churches, your words testify to the truth, even to this day you, as from the heights of the pulpit, have preached peace. Likewise, we, seeing the fulfillment of your God-inspired words, cry out to God with a great voice: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
From the luminous dawn, the First-Called Apostle, having received the light of the knowledge of God, Saint Olga rose up across the Russian land as the star of our salvation, erecting after herself like a luminous luminary, his grandson Vladimir, the enlightener of the entire midnight country. Likewise, we, having raised our eyes to you, Andre the God-wise, as to the chief harbinger of our salvation, let us write down this praise:
Rejoice, for the day of our salvation, holy Olsa, was given the knowledge of the Divine;
Rejoice, for through her good faith the Kingdom of Christ has been opened.
Rejoice, for through your blessing the glorious light has come to us from the seed of the morning star;
Rejoice, for according to your apostolic foreshadowing, the prince equal to the apostles has appeared to us.
Rejoice, for through you Saint Vladimir the kingdom of earth has joined the kingdom of heaven;
Rejoice, for the Dnieper and Pochaina, the rivers of Kiev, were a font of salvation for us.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 8
They preach the memory of your deeds to the glorious city of Kiev and the whole Russian country, the shepherd and flock, O god-wise Andrew the Apostle; in the depths of the caves, the incorruptible saints of God rest, with Anthony and Theodosius, with silent lips, as if they lived, they proclaim your glory throughout the ages and generations, for you established Cre here st, like a blessed-leaved tree, it will grow to bear us the fruits of piety and holiness. We of your heavenly heliport, like the chicks of the spirituality, have taught us to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Not just that Russia was united, you were the herald of salvation, the First-Called Apostle of Christ, but also all the Slovenian tribes, like the Kokosh, gathered their chicks under the krill, you brought me to Christ ; You, from Chersonis into the darkness of the midnight country, looked upon the people there, so that they might learn the word of God, wise teachers, Cyril and Methodius, your preaching was prepared for many centuries val you; We, like through the mouth of these our enlighteners, cry out loudly to you:
Rejoice, blessed Slovenian tribe from time immemorial;
Rejoice in their word, making you wise in the word of God.
Rejoice, for you were obedient to the word of God, and the Church was a child of words;
Rejoice, for in Chersonis, where you preached, the first Russian writer, Saint Cyril, will find and accept you.
Rejoice, for through these Alpha and Omega, the Firstfruits and the End, you proclaimed the wisdom of Christ to them;
Rejoice, for this teacher has translated all the inspired scriptures into the Slovenian language for us.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 9
Without fearing the deserted Scythia, you, your apostolic wanderings, extended your apostolic wanderings into the depths of the midnight country. to be; Both for the sake of the idols we left him, and came to the red shore of Vospor, there in the city of Byzantium, where the new Rome and the Mother of Christians became, your apostolic throne was established thou art, that from him the whole east and north may be illuminated with the light of faith, and the faithful children of the Church of Christ to God They will cry out with one accord: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Mother Zion, - the man says psalmically, as man was spiritually born in it, but the new Zion will be for us Kiev: in it the light and grace of God have appeared to all the sons of Russia m from the pulpit, to the south you, the First-Called Apostle, established you in Byzantium. Likewise, we, illuminated by the Everlasting Light, gratefully cry out to you:
Rejoice, you who descended from Mount Zion and illuminated many-hill Kiev with the mountain light;
Rejoice in this city, abundant spiritual fruitfulness through your blessing, O One who sent it down.
Rejoice, for thou hast established thy apostolic throne in the midst of the universe;
Rejoice, for under his shadow, in New Rome, you have gathered all the languages you enlightened.
Rejoice, for Orthodoxy is established in their souls;
Rejoice, for the darkness of the west is broken away from the east.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 10
When the time had come for your repose, blessed apostle, you came to the ancient Patras of Achaia, and there you would die, for you ended the course, you fought a good fight , having preached Christ crucified to everyone, temptation to the Jews, and madness to the Greeks, but to us, who are called and saved, - Christ, God's Power and God's Wisdom, from Him and we learned to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Everywhere in the name of the Lord Jesus, healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and in Patras you confirmed your dying sermon with miracles, the apostle of Christ, and the enfant Le. You turned your soul to the knowledge of the truth, when you were struck by an ulcer for the sake of disobedience, and by you, from the brink of illness, you raised up speed, people But having seen the power of God in you, you crushed your idols, therefore the Lord appeared to you, as Paul sometimes did in Corinth, and commanded you to take up your cross, denoting your Patrach, for His sake, suffering. Likewise, we, marveling at the great grace in you, reverently cry:
Rejoice, great power of Almighty God;
Rejoice, treasure of many miracles.
Rejoice, enlightenment and decoration of the ancient Patras;
Rejoice in changing the unbelief of the anfipat to faith.
Rejoice, for there the Lord again appeared to you, calling you to the feat of the godfather;
Rejoice, for the crown of righteousness has been prepared for you.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 11
Nero the Caesar, as sometimes Herod, raised up persecution against all the faithful, in Rome I will behead Paul with the sword, and crucify Peter on the cross, just as the hand of the tormentor reached you in Patras, always in In place of the meek Blade, place Egeata the wicked as a judge, who did not tolerate the baptism of his brother, Below, by the healing of his wife, he was softened, he was cast into prison and, like the supreme Peter, condemned to the cross. You are a prisoner, in a darker dungeon, as in a bright temple, the brother of Anfipatov Stratoklis for Bishop Patrom, you prophesied to God with all the faithful in the midst of the prison, chanting : Alleluia.
Ikos 11
In place of the forehead we erect a cross, having seen, on it you were crucified, you were not afraid, O apostle, even to death to testify to the one you loved and the Christ you loved. , and stretching out your hand to this sign of salvation, you tenderly called out:
Rejoice, All-Honorable Cross, I stand before it with joy, knowing you, my hope;
Rejoice at the Life-Giving Cross, whose head has reached to heaven, and crush the foot of the gates of hell.
Rejoice, O venerable Cross, accepted by my Master as a sweet grape that has poured out salvation for us;
Rejoice, blessed Cross, who saved the thief and bestowed upon him the fruits of confession.
Rejoice, for you also fulfilled my joy; - Rejoice also, you, passion-bearer, who sealed your faith in Christ on the Cross.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 12
Come, witness of my joy! - You appealed to the Apostle to the doer of the will of Egeata, - do our will, crucify me and, like a lamb, sacrifice me to the Creator who created me. - And this river, you ascended to the cross, like to a mountain pulpit, for three days and three nights you preached the word of God to the people standing around, so that they should not be afraid of death, confessing God of the Lord Jesus. When your face was illuminated with heavenly light, the tormentor was horrified and commanded to take you from the cross; However, you, passion-bearer, did not want to be freed from the agony of the cross, until your departure you continually cried out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Glorifying your apostolic deeds, Andrew the First Called, we bless your holy death, through which you glorified the Life-Giving Passion of the Son of God, and in the tenderness of our hearts we cry out to you tse:
Rejoice, friend of Christ, having endured suffering for Him with joy on the Cross;
Rejoice, faithful apostle, from the cross you preached the words of the eternal life to people.
Rejoice, for at the hour of being taken down from the cross in the fall, there is light like lightning from heaven;
Rejoice, for you promised great grace to those who Orthodoxy confessed Christ, the Son of God.
Rejoice, apostolic foundation of the Mount of Jerusalem;
Rejoice, sitting with the apostles on one of the twelve thrones, to judge all the tribe of Israel.
Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Kontakion 13
Oh, First-Called Apostle of Christ Andrew! Look at these blessings of all who honor your holy memory, and as you planted the tree of the cross on the mountains of the city of Kiev, you will always overshadow us with this saving sign, yes, with the Cross. We protect the Lord God and our Savior, we will reach the measure of the age of the fulfillment of Christ and we will become worthy with you and with all the saints, in the voice of joy, sing to God our Savior for ever and ever: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Prayer
First-called Apostle of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, supreme follower of the Church, all-validated Andrew! We glorify and magnify your apostolic labors, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, we honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ, we kiss your sacred power We honor your holy memory and believe that as the Lord lives, so does your soul and Thou art forever in heaven, where thou didst love us with the same love with which thou didst love us, when by the Holy Spirit thou didst see ours, even before our conversion to Christ, and not just love, but also pray to God for us, all our needs in His Light are in vain . Thus we believe and thus we confess this faith in the temple, which was most gloriously created in your name, Saint Andrew, where your holy relics rest; Believers, we ask and pray to the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that through your prayers, who always listens and accepts, He will give us everything we need for the salvation of us sinners; Yes, just as you are abiy according to the voice of the Lord, having left your dreams, you have unswervingly followed Him, here and everywhere from us, and seek not your own, but also for the building of your neighbor and for the things above let him think about the title. Having you as a representative and a prayer book for us, we hope that your prayer can accomplish much before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with the Father. by me and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Traditions and rituals of the holiday
On St. Andrew's Day, services are held in churches. Believers adhere to the Nativity fast.
Unmarried girls pray to the Holy Apostle Andrew to give them good grooms. On the night of December 13, it is customary to guess about the betrothed, upcoming events, and the fulfillment of desires.
Fortune telling for Andrey
According to tradition, on this day girls bake kalita (a round cake with a hole inside) - a symbol of the sun and a happy marriage.
Life
Scripture says little about the life of the apostle. Born in Bethsaida, in northern Israel, in the 1st century. (died about 62 years old). God entered his soul from his youth. The young man took a vow of chastity, moved to another city and went fishing with his brother until his teacher, John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, showed a different path. Andrew was the first to follow the Messiah, for which he was called the First Called. Later he brought his brother Simon (in the future - the Supreme Apostle Peter) to Christ.
The faithful disciple followed the Son of God everywhere, witnessed his death, miraculous Resurrection and Ascension. When the Holy Spirit descended on earth, the apostles received the gift of prophesying, speaking in different languages, and healing. By casting lots, they divided among themselves the lands and countries where they should go to preach in order to convert the pagans to Christianity.
Heartfelt wishes on St. Andrew's Day
Day of St. Andrew the First-Called, The fulfillment of what we desire, The saint helps us, And warmth comes to the house. Congratulations to everyone today, Happiness, blessings and good days, Golden mood, Don’t disturb your heart too much.
The First-Called Andrew's miracles do not age. He was always faithful to God, And showed people the way to the kingdom of heaven, He carried the Word of God to mortals. A good memory of him is associated with a December day.
I congratulate you on this wonderful holiday. On the day of St. Andrew the First-Called, I wish you fortitude. And let your prayer fly only from your heart to him. He will hear and help, He will heal your pains.
I know that Andrew the First-Called once boldly followed Christ, and the pain of retribution awaited him, the bitterness of persecution later, but the power of a bright and righteous faith burned with fire in his heart, May he continue to be an example for you! Well, happy Andrey!
We honor the First-Called Andrew in December, When the first frosts Walk across the earth. He was the very first Who followed the holy Jesus and flew into the light. May His bright spirit be with you. And He will add strength and will to you for two!
December thirteenth On the day of St. Andrew the First-Called, At the Holy Face of the Bright, Ask for the good you desire. It was not in vain that the path was measured by overcoming His torment. A man with earthly birth soared with the light of the spirit! May this day bring Light in the soul, love and wisdom! Well, the Betrothed will come to the girls in a dream in the morning!
It’s Andrey’s name day on this bright winter day, let Vera warm your soul and drive away the shadow of sadness. Like the first-called apostle many years ago, let us unite with Christ without noticing all the obstacles.
Apostle Andrew the First-Called - Witness of Christ's path, glorious in his miraculous deeds, forgave human deceit. Great prophet and healer, keep peace in our world. You, teacher of righteous life, Guide us with an invisible hand.
A simple fisherman chose to serve God and refused worldly pleasures, He chose a difficult path for himself, But his short life was sinless! Andrew is called the First-Called, Because he was devoted to faith and prayer, His words still heal, He loved all people as the Savior! So remember the Apostle Andrew, And pray sincerely with your soul, And your soul will immediately become lighter, And may everything be fine with you!
On St. Andrew's Day in December centuries ago, a covenant appeared to cast spells and tell fortunes: For young girls about the groom, For more serious people - about bread and haystacks. But without any fortune-telling, I can say what will await you in the coming year: There will be prosperity and family comfort in the house, And let the fireworks bloom in your heart with joy!
Story
The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was from Bethsaida of Galilee. He subsequently lived in Capernaum, on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, together with his brother Simon, fishing. From a young age, Apostle Andrew was distinguished by his prayerful striving towards God. He did not marry, but became a disciple of the holy prophet John the Baptist, who announced the Incarnation.
When Saint John the Baptist pointed to Jesus Christ on the Jordan River to the holy apostles Andrew and John the Theologian, calling Him the Lamb of God, they immediately followed the Lord. The holy Apostle Andrew became the first disciple of Christ and was the first to confess Him as the Savior (Messiah), bringing his elder brother Simon, the future Apostle Peter, to Christ.
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, which the holy Apostle Andrew also witnessed, he returned to Jerusalem. Here on the Day of Pentecost, together with the other apostles and the Most Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Andrew was filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Lord Himself predicted.
Preaching the Word of God, the holy Apostle Andrew made several journeys, during which he returned to Jerusalem three times. He traveled through Asia Minor, Thrace, Macedonia, Scythia, and the Black Sea region (according to the tradition of the Georgian Church, Apostle Andrew preached together with Apostle Simon Canait in Abkhazia, where Apostle Simon suffered martyrdom). Up the Dnieper, the Apostle Andrew rose to the location of the future Kyiv, where, as the Monk Nestor the Chronicler narrates, he erected a cross on the Kyiv mountains, turning to his disciples with the words: “Do you see these mountains? The grace of God will shine on these mountains, there will be a great city, and God will build many churches.”
Moving further north, the Apostle Andrew reached the Slavic settlements on the site of the future Novgorod and planted his staff near the present village of Gruzino. From here the Apostle Andrew passed through the lands of the Varangians to Rome and again returned to Thrace. Here, in a small village of Byzantium (the future Constantinople), he founded the Christian Church, consecrating one of the seventy apostles of Christ, Stachy, as a bishop.
On his way, the Apostle Andrew endured many sorrows from the pagans. He was beaten and expelled from cities. But the Lord protected his chosen one and, through his prayers, performed wondrous miracles. The last city where the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called came, and where he suffered martyrdom in the year 62, was the city of Patras (Patras). Here, through the prayer of the apostle, the seriously ill Sosius, a noble citizen, recovered. By the laying on of apostolic hands, Maximilla, the wife of the ruler of Patras, and his brother, the philosopher Stratocles, were healed. This encouraged the inhabitants of the city to receive holy Baptism from the Apostle Andrew, but the ruler of the city, Consul Egeat, remained an inveterate pagan.
The holy apostle with love and humility appealed to his soul, striving to reveal to him the Christian mystery of eternal life, the miraculous power of the Holy Cross of the Lord. The angry Aegeates ordered the apostle to be crucified. Saint Andrew the First-Called joyfully accepted the ruler’s decision and went to the place of execution. To prolong the torment of the apostle, Egeat ordered not to nail his hands and feet to the cross, but to tie them. According to legend, the cross on which the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was crucified had the shape of the letter “X” and was called the “St. Andrew’s Cross.”
For two days the apostle taught from the cross to the townspeople gathered around. The people who listened to him sympathized with him with all their souls and demanded that the holy apostle be taken down from the cross. Frightened by popular outrage, Egeat ordered the execution to be stopped. But the holy apostle began to pray that the Lord would honor him with death on the cross. No matter how the soldiers tried to remove the Apostle Andrew, their hands did not obey them. The crucified apostle, having given praise to God, said: “Lord Jesus Christ, accept my spirit.” Then the bright radiance of Divine light sanctified the cross and the martyr crucified on it. When the radiance disappeared, the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called had already given up his soul to the Lord. Maximilla, the ruler's wife, took the apostle's body from the cross and buried him with honor.
In 357, the relics of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called were solemnly transferred to Constantinople and placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles next to the relics of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke and the disciple of the Apostle Paul - Apostle Timothy. After the capture of Constantinople by the Crusaders, in 1208, the relics of St. Apostle Andrew were transported to Italy and placed in the cathedral church in Amalfi. Under Pope Pius II (1458), the venerable head of St. Andrew the Apostle was transferred to Rome and placed in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
The most popular fortune telling for St. Andrew's Day 2021
Among the Christmas fortune-telling, there are many strange and even outdated customs and rituals. For example, where in a modern city apartment would you find straw to throw to the ceiling and see how many straws stick to it? And in ancient times, girls did exactly this to find out what kind of family they would have. How many straws “stick” to the ceiling, the number of family members a girl will have after marriage .
On St. Andrew's Day in 2021, more universal fortune-telling can be performed that does not require outdated paraphernalia or agricultural equipment.
Shadow divination
Another popular way to find out your destiny . In the old days, as now, to do this, they burned a sheet of paper on a plate and looked at the shadow of the ashes, which was displayed on the wall. By the outline of a burnt leaf, you can find out what awaits you in the near future.
- Bird - to big changes in life.
- Cat - for a romantic relationship.
- The cross means illness and misfortune.
- Mountain - to loneliness.
- The gate is to the guests.
- Tree - to prosperity and well-being.
Life after death
We can judge what happened after the execution of the saint from biblical traditions. It is known for certain that during his earthly existence he performed many good deeds and had the gift of healing. By healing people, he saved lives, so there was no doubt that he was working with the hands of the Lord himself. Everyone believed in the holiness, authenticity and indestructible righteousness of the First-Called Andrew.
After his tragic death, the rulers of several states united in the opinion that it was necessary to pay respect to the great martyr. They drew up an act in which the merits of the saint and his patronage were noted. In Russia, the image of the saint is most revered; his cross is even depicted on naval flags. Therefore, the saint is considered the patron and protector of sailors who serve the good of the fatherland and their country.
Why the day of St. Andrew the First-Called is celebrated on December 13 is not known for certain.
St. Andrew's Day: wicket for guys, fortune telling for girls
One of the most popular rituals on St. Andrew's Day was biting off ritual bread or kalita. The round cake was baked exclusively by girls. Then she was hung on a ribbon and raised as high as possible. The young guys took turns jumping up to the gate and taking a bite. After this, the young newcomers treated everyone present to bread.
The ritual of biting off the kalita was considered initiation (initiation of boys into the company of young men). After that, they could go out to evening parties, make dates with girls and woo the beauty they liked. Also, after Kalita, boys had the right to do hard men's work, go to the fields and work in the fields.
The girls enjoyed the main entertainment of St. Andrew's Day - fortune telling . One of the most popular of them was fortune telling for grooms. For example, every unmarried girl dreamed of seeing her destined one in a dream . To do this, before going to bed, she placed a bowl of water under the bed. The day before, kutia was also cooked, which had to be placed under the pillow. A mirror, a knife, a man's hat or a sliver of wood, torn from the fence of a guy who likes this girl, was also sent there. It was believed that these attributes should cause a prophetic dream, where the young lady would see whether the guy she was sighing about loved her.
Fortune telling near the mirror
One of the most terrible Christmas fortune-telling is carried out with the help of two mirrors and two candles. To do this, you need to install 2 mirrors opposite each other and place lit candles on the sides. At midnight, the girl remains alone in the room, sits down near the wall mirror and, holding the second one in her hands, looks into the resulting mirrored corridor . This gallery acts as a portal, in the middle of which, against the background of candles, the girl can see the face of her betrothed. If you decide to do such fortune-telling, do not forget to shout: “ Forget me !” when you see something unusual or frightening in the mirror.
What to pray to a saint for
The apostles of Jesus Christ had the honor of being the first people on earth who believed in the true teaching of the Lord. On this day, it is enough to pray to St. Andrew the First-Called, and you will certainly be heard. Often sailors went to church on holiday to pray that the saint would help them in a difficult military matter.
You should contact Andrew the First-Called in the following cases:
- If necessary, defend the Fatherland.
- In case of domestic problems.
- If there is a need to convert other people and entire nations to Christianity.
The apostle is generally considered to be a very intelligent and wise person. However, his knowledge was not limited to theology. He knew a lot of folk wisdom. Almost everywhere where the saint walked, prayer crosses were installed.
Andrew the First-Called walked along the holy land, holding a large staff in his hands. At the same time, he was distinguished by righteous modesty. If someone had difficulties in life, he turned to the Lord with a call to help the person. Being in old age, Saint Andrew did not refuse execution by crucifixion. It was enough for him to agree with the authorities’ argument in order not to be in danger. But he chose a difficult path, and through severe torment on the cross he proceeded to a better world, where Jesus Christ was already waiting for him.
Lunar day December 13, 2021
The second Thursday of the first month of winter falls on a very favorable day, when the waxing Moon in December 2021 in the sign of Aquarius blesses all living things for active work and victory over competitors. The lunar calendar for December 2021 warns that on the sixth lunar day, people’s intuition and extrasensory abilities become more acute, so it will be easier to contact spirits, and the Higher Powers will definitely hear your prayer.
Even ordinary people can manifest the Gift of Foresight and the Guardian Angel will tell them some important information about upcoming events.
In 2021, St. Andrew's Day falls on a day with powerful energy of love and happiness, so a romantic date will bring good news and a lot of positivity.
Martyrdom
In the Greek city of Patras, the apostle managed to convert many people to the Christian faith, but by order of the ruler, a pagan fan of Aegeates, he was captured. An X-shaped cross was chosen for the crucifixion. Seeing him, the saint called the execution instrument a sign of “joy and love!” To prolong the torment, the legs and arms were not nailed, but tied. The Crucified One continued to preach. Struck by the strength of the spirit, the people demanded mercy and release of the elder. But the desire of the condemned man to accept death in the name of Christ was so strong that the soldiers could not remove him from the crucifixion. The body of the martyr was buried with honor by Maximilla, the wife of the ruler, who was healed by the apostle.
After his death, a spring began to flow next to the cross. Later, on the site of the death of the Apostle Andrew, a temple of the same name was erected, the largest in Greece.
Teaching
The first of Christ's disciples was next to him throughout the entire period of his ministry, cleansing and enlightening his mind and heart, and witnessed great miracles, in particular, the feeding of five thousand hungry people and walking on water. He, together with the third disciple Philip, who was called after him and his brother, led to the Almighty some pagans who wanted to worship the true God.
Andrew the First-Called - one of the 12 disciples of Christ
The devoted pupil was one of four chosen ones (with brother Simon, who became St. Peter, and Zebedee's John and James) to whom Jesus told on the Mount of Olives about the future fate of the whole world, and also witnessed the suffering, death and resurrection of his divine teacher.
