Icon of St. Andrew the First-Called: what they pray for and how it helps

Saint Andrew the First-Called can rightfully be called one of the most revered throughout the vast territory of Rus'. The icon of St. Andrew the First-Called is revered more than many others, because he became the first preacher in lands far from the territory where Christ preached. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to his life, the holy images dedicated to him, the order that proudly bears his name and the active foundation.

Memorial Days:

• June 3 – Cathedral of Karelian Saints;
• July 13 – Council of the glorious and all-praised 12 apostles;
• December 13th;
• December 28 – Cathedral of Crimean Saints.

Miracles of the Apostle

Meek in character, Andrew the First-Called in the name of the Lord accomplished many amazing deeds. History has brought to us stories of many resurrections.

• A boy in Nicomedia - a saint met a funeral procession, the child was killed by dogs.
• Thessalonica - resurrected a strangled child.
• Proconsul Virin arrested the apostle and gave him to be torn to pieces by wild animals. Instead of the saint, they attacked the ruler’s son and killed him. After the saint’s prayer, the boy turned out to be alive and well.
• Patras - after a storm, the body of a drowned man was found on the shore. The Apostle resurrected him. It turned out that the young man was traveling to the city to listen to Christian teaching. About 40 more bodies washed ashore. Everyone was gathered in one place, St. Andrey resurrected them too. After this incident, it is believed that Andrew the First-Called especially helps sailors.

Before going to sea, Russian sailors perform a prayer service to their heavenly patron. The pious elder also helps unmarried girls find a worthy spouse.

Politics of the Byzantine Church

According to Professor A.V. Kartashev, with the help of the development of the legend of Andrew, the Byzantine church solved two problems:

• Protect your independence from the claims of Rome and prove your equality with Rome (Andrew was the elder brother of the Apostle Peter).
• To ensure dominance over all possible churches of the East.

"Golden Legend" about St. Andrey

The “Golden Legend” also reports one of the miracles of the apostle, which is not mentioned in the “Cheti-Minea”, but which can explain the veneration of St. Andrew as the patron saint of sailors: he once resurrected forty men who were heading to him to receive teaching about the faith, but who drowned due to a storm caused by the devil. Therefore, in the hymn to the Apostle it is sung: “Quaternos iuvenes submersos maris fluctibus vitae reddidit usibus.” In another case, recorded in the Golden Legend, the apostle managed to calm the raging sea with prayer.

Another curious episode of the legend is the Christian answer of the holy apostle to the fundamental question invented by the devil about what is higher - earthly or heavenly: “In the imperial heavens, where Jesus Christ is, Who is the form of our flesh, He is above all heavens!”

Andrew the First-Called - prayer for work

Today, December 13, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Day of Remembrance of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called.

THE APOSTLE ANDREW was from Galilee. This northern part of the Holy Land was distinguished by its fertility and picturesqueness, and its inhabitants were good natured and hospitable. The Galileans easily got along with the Greeks who inhabited their country in large numbers; many spoke Greek and even bore Greek names. The name Andrey is Greek and means courageous.

When John the Baptist began to preach on the banks of the Jordan, Andrei, together with John of Zebedee (who came from the same city - Bethsaida), followed the prophet, hoping to find an answer to his spiritual questions in his teaching. Many began to think that maybe John the Baptist was the expected Messiah, but he explained to people that he was not the Messiah, but was sent only to prepare the way for Him.

However, the apostles did not immediately devote themselves entirely to the apostolic title. From the Gospel we know that the brothers Andrew and Simon Peter and the brothers John and James had to return to their families for a while and take up their usual work - fishing. A few months later, the Lord, passing by Lake Galilee and seeing them fishing, said: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their boats and nets and from that day became constant disciples of Christ.

Andrew, who followed the Lord earlier than the other apostles, received the name First-Called. He remained with Christ throughout the entire period of His public ministry. After the Resurrection of the Savior, Apostle Andrew, together with other disciples, was honored with meetings with Him and was present on the Mount of Olives when the Lord, having blessed them, ascended to Heaven.

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles cast lots as to who should go to which country to preach the Gospel. Saint Andrew received the countries lying along the Black Sea coast, the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula and Scythia, i.e. the land on which Russia was later formed. According to legend, the Apostle Andrew preached on the Tauride Peninsula, then climbed north along the Dnieper and reached the place where Kyiv subsequently arose.

“Believe me,” the apostle said to his disciples, “that the grace of God will shine on these mountains: a great city will be here, the Lord will enlighten this land with holy baptism and will erect many churches here.” Then the Apostle Andrew blessed the Kyiv mountains and erected a cross on one of them, heralding the acceptance of faith by the future inhabitants of Rus'.

Nikolay Lomtev. Apostle Andrew the First-Called erects a cross on the mountains

After returning to Greece, the Apostle Andrew stopped in the city of Patros, located near the Gulf of Corinth. Here, through the laying on of hands, he healed many people from illnesses, including the noble Maximilla, who believed in Christ with all her heart and became a disciple of the apostle. Since many residents of Patras believed in Christ, the local ruler Egeat was inflamed with hatred against the Apostle Andrew and sentenced him to crucifixion.

Governor Egeat did not believe the apostle's preaching, calling his teaching madness. Then he ordered the apostle to be crucified so that he would suffer longer. Saint Andrew was tied to the cross in the shape of the letter X, without driving nails into his hands and feet, so as not to cause imminent death. Egeat's unjust sentence caused indignation among the people, however, this sentence remained in force.

Hanging on the cross, the Apostle Andrew prayed incessantly. Before the separation of his soul from his body, the heavenly light shone on Andrew’s cross, and in its brilliance the apostle departed into the eternal Kingdom of God. The martyrdom of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called followed around the 62nd year after the Nativity of Christ.

The Russian Church, having accepted the faith of Christ from Byzantium, whose bishops trace their succession to the Apostle Andrew, also considers itself his successor. That is why the memory of Saint Andrew the First-Called was so solemnly revered in pre-revolutionary Russia. Emperor Peter I established the first and highest order in honor of the Apostle Andrew, which was given as a reward to dignitaries of the state.

Let us praise the courage of the same-named eulogist/ and the Church’s supreme successor,/ Peter’s relative,/ before now, as in ancient times/ and now we have cried: come, thou who have found the Desired.

A huge number of people face various troubles at work that make work unbearable. Prayer of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called helps to establish relationships in the team and with the boss, receive an increase in wages and advance up the career ladder. Unemployed people can read it to find a decent job. The main thing is to ask from a pure heart and without bad thoughts. Repeat the universal message mentioned earlier daily.

Apostle Andrew was the first to follow Christ and suffered martyrdom for the sake of faith.

A short biography of St. Andrew the First-Called is taught in all Orthodox educational institutions. He was from Galilee, that is, the northern part of the Holy Land.

Galilee

birthplace of St. Andrew the First-Called. Now this is the north of Israel

The inhabitants of these places in the ancient world were considered good-natured and hospitable.

Many of the Galileans lived side by side with the Greeks, spoke excellent Greek and had Greek names. So, the name Andrei is Greek and means “courageous”.

Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. 11th century fresco, Cyprus. Presumably this is what Apostle Andrew looked like.

The saint lived with his brother Simon (the future Peter) in the village of Capernaum. Their father's name was Jonah, and they themselves were from the village of Bethsaida. They were engaged in fishing. When John the Baptist began to preach here, Andrew, together with John Zebedee, followed the prophet.

Many of the inhabitants of Galilee thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah, but he himself told people that he was not the Messiah and was called only to prepare the way for Him.

Evangelist John says that the prophet called the Lord Jesus Christ who came to him for baptism “the Lamb of God.” Thus, he indicated that He was destined not to preach, but to sacrifice for the sake of all mankind on the cross.

Since the apostle was confirmed in his decision to serve God from his youth, he adhered to chastity and refused to marry. There are several versions of how he became a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So the Gospel of John says that this happened during the baptism of the Savior by John the Baptist. It was then that the prophet pointed to the Messiah and called him “the Lamb of God.”

According to the version of the Evangelist Matthew, the Savior met Andrew along with his brother Simon on the shore of Lake Galilee when they were fishing. Seeing this, the Savior said:

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).

Video “Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called.” It tells about the life of the passion-bearer and his martyrdom in the name of Christ.

Prayer to the patron saint of Denis

With the establishment of Christianity, it became traditional to name a child in honor of a saint, thereby acquiring patrons and prayer books in them. It is this ascetic of God who helps the child and will prayerfully answer for him before the Lord.

Many families pray and have special reverence for some saint and want to name a child after him.

Such a desire is welcome. At the same time, it would not be amiss to find out the saint on whose day the child was born. After all, you can turn in prayer to two spiritual patrons at once.

We advise you to study a mother’s prayer for the protection of her son

Prayer to St. Dionysius, Archimandrite of Radonezh

Having loved Christ from a young age, Venerable Dionysius, create with your prayers, so that our hearts burn with the sacred love of God, not only in youth, but also in old age, let them not go out, kindled by the warmth of faith. Having laid upon this ascetic the yoke of the Gospel, and having found it good and easy, you have courageously accomplished it to the end, having been awarded a solemn crown as a conqueror - and help us too, to courageously bear the painful time of this life and, having maintained faith to the end, have been honored with mercy from God retribution. Having been diligent and zealous in fulfilling the calling assigned to you by God, help us too, pass through our callings, unremittingly, strengthening us with the hope of help in the Almighty. Saint Dionysius, who generously endured many intrigues and suffering from malicious enemies, and for us, surrounded by enemy networks and subject to various temptations, through your prayers ask from above for help in defeating and trampling them. Always mortifying your flesh with fasting, prayers and vigil, you have made it a temple of the Life-giving Spirit, and let your holy example excite us to imitate your footsteps, and to gain time for repentance and the forgiveness of our sins. Having been a zealot burning for the glory of the Church and the Fatherland, through your prayers intercede for the peace of the Orthodox-Russian Church, for our Fatherland, prosperity, for the monastery of Sergius, well-ordered and protected by your rule, for almighty protection, for all of us, who flow to you with love, health and salvation, and We glorify the Lord who glorified you, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal

Oh, Holy Hierarch Father Dionysius, you weigh the weakness of our nature and the sorrow of these times, shed your warm prayers for us and beg the Lord who loves mankind, so that he does not destroy us with our iniquities, but turns us to repentance and correction, so that the rest of our earthly life will not work of sin and passion, but in doing the commandments of His saints and in piety we accompany. Do not despise or disgrace our hope, but be a steadfast intercessor to God for us, may he preserve us from worldly temptations, from the devil’s snares and from carnal lusts, may he grant us unflagging patience in battle. At the hour of death, appear to us, Father, an invincible intercessor, then hasten us to prayer for us, helpless, and help us to achieve a peaceful and good end, the terrible ordeal of the air without a moment’s obstacle and to enter into the Heavenly Heavenly Jerusalem. Oh, our all-blessed father Dionysius, grant us to follow, according to our strength, your holy life! For through the all-merciful intercession of our Most Blessed Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and your holy prayers, the Most Blessed Christ our God will grant us heirs of the existence of His Heavenly Kingdom, glorifying and magnifying Him together with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and forever centuries. Amen.

How does prayer help St. Andrew the First-Called?

Being a holy youth, he decided that his life would be devoted to serving God. Together with his brother, he was engaged in fishing. At first he studied with John the Baptist, but after meeting Jesus he decided to follow him, preaching and glorifying the Orthodox faith. After the death of the teacher, the faithful student did not become a hermit, but continued to tell others about the word of the Lord. He traveled to different countries, spreading the Christian faith. The pagans persecuted the disciple of Christ, beat him, threw stones and inflicted serious injuries.

On the 50th day after the ascension of Christ, the gift of God came upon him, and he could heal injuries not only of the soul, but also of the body. The saint suffered for his faith and was crucified on the cross, like the teacher, but only the cross was not straight, and the limbs were not nailed down, because they were tied. By the way, the cross on which the disciple of Christ was crucified became the flag of the Russian fleet, so it depicted a symbol in the form of the letter “X”.

In ancient times, he was considered the main protector of sailors and fishermen, so all the people who went on a voyage asked him for help. This is not accidental, since one miracle is associated with the sea; according to legend, a disciple of Christ calmed a strong storm simply by reading prayer texts. When people received the blessing to travel to other countries and they began to speak other languages, the saint was also called the patron saint of translators. Prayer texts help to cope with diseases.

A prayer to Saint Andrew the First-Called helps single people find their soulmate, and even parents can read it about their children. Believers ask for prosperity and harmony in marriage. You can address the Higher powers not only using sacred texts, but also in your own words, because for him the main thing is sincerity in thought and humility

It is important to fill your prayer with gratitude and hope, and then it will certainly be heard

What do they pray to St. Andrew the First-Called?

Most often this Saint is approached with requests for:

Conversion to the Christian faith Help for sailors Defense of the Fatherland Help for foreign language teachers and translators Strengthening the faith Unity of the people under Christian leadership Happy marriage.

How does Andrew the First-Called help? Most often, sailors and their families turn to him. Before going to sea, they even hold a service specifically for St. Andrew the First-Called. This is done so that he helps them on the hike, as well as for a safe return home. The flag of the navy also depicts the St. Andrew's Cross.

Briefly about the life of St. Andrew the First-Called

Andrew the First-Called is one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Chosen by the Son of God himself to preach His name throughout the world and to all nations.

Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. When the Theologian showed Jesus to his disciple and said that He was the Lamb of God, Andrei immediately went over to His side. And from then on he served only Christ.

The Gospel says that during the miracle of the five loaves, which fed 5 thousand people, Andrei, together with other disciples, asked Jesus about the signs that would tell humanity that the Second Coming was approaching. Jesus also told the apostles about the destruction of Jerusalem.

Throughout his life, the saint traveled to many countries where he spoke about the Messiah - Macedonia, Asia Minor, Scythia, Thrace, the Black Sea region, where the apostle was executed by pagans. Andrey also visited the territory of modern Kyiv. There he stuck a cross into the ground and turned to the other apostles with the words:

Almost everywhere he was expelled. In all cities he suffered humiliation and suffering. Sometimes the pagans beat him, but Andrei did not resist and continued to carry the name of God behind him, demonstrating miracles and attracting people to the Christian faith.

Andrei accepted his death with joy. Before his death, he said: “Rejoice, O Cross, sanctified by the flesh of Christ... Take me from people, and give me to my Teacher, that he may receive me through you, who redeemed me through you.”

So that Andrei would die longer and in greater pain, he ordered not to nail his hands and feet, but simply tie them to the cross. And the apostle continued to preach the name of God at this time. People felt sorry for him and asked his followers to take Andrew down from the cross, but he refused every time.

Even the ruler Egeat then changed his mind and ordered the soldiers to stop the execution. But their hands resisted them. After a while, Andrei’s soul ascended to heaven, accompanied by a bright light. The ruler's wife, whose life he had once saved, buried him. Andrew the First-Called died at the age of 62.

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Service of Saint Andrew

When the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, the followers of Jesus cast lots and determined where each of them would go to bring the good news. Andrew the First-Called must go to the shores located along the sea and the territories belonging to the Scythians. According to the existing legend, he was able to reach the territory where Kyiv would be founded many centuries later. It was he who predicted the founding of one of the majestic settlements, sanctified by God's Grace.

Before his death, which occurred after a public crucifixion, Andrei prayed long and earnestly, constantly turning to the departed Christ. He also performed various miracles, in particular healing the sick in Greece.

It was there that the ruler of one of the cities where the apostle lived sentenced him to crucifixion and ordered him not to be pierced, but only to tie his limbs in order to intensify the torment. The Apostle Andrew not only did not resist, but he himself came to where they wanted to install the crucifix, read a sermon, and then prayed on his diagonal cross. As a result, the ruler ordered it to be removed, since he understood the greatness of this man, but Saint Andrew asked the Lord to grant him the honor of martyrdom, and no one was able to untie the ropes, and the apostle, having given praise, gave up the ghost.

Nowadays it is often possible to see the image of St. Andrew the First-Called in gold, depicted on an icon, because it is considered miraculous and is highly revered.

Until now, the icon of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called brings good to people, or rather, the apostle himself brings good, to whom people pray all over the world.

In Russian cities, even small ones, you can easily find a temple in honor of the saint.

Basic biography facts

The saint was born at the beginning of the 1st century AD in a small town called Bethsaida into a poor family. Andrew had a brother, Peter, who would also later become an apostle. Andrew and Peter earn their living by fishing, like most of the inhabitants of Bethsaida.

He spent his childhood and youth in Bethsaida. His father was a fisherman known as Jonah.

The ministry and path of the preacher

Already from childhood, the future apostle led a pious lifestyle. Subsequently, already as an adult, he takes a vow of celibacy. He did this in order to be closer to God. When Saint Andrew grew up, he became a minister and disciple of John the Baptist, who was often visited by the Savior Jesus Christ. In John's house, Andrei meets Jesus, after which he becomes his first disciple. Jesus the Savior sent Andrew the First-Called to preach Christian sermons in various countries:

• Macedonia;
• Great Scythia;
• Irakli;
• Bithynia;
• Thrace.

We recommend studying Psalm 21

In addition to these countries, Saint Andrew visited with sermons the territory that belongs to modern western Russia. The apostle had his own disciples: Rimma, Pinna, Inna, who ultimately became holy martyrs. Historians claim that they were of Russian origin.

Death

King Egeat demanded that the apostle renounce Christ, but he refused. Then the ruler demanded that Andrew the First-Called be killed. Death was very painful. The Apostle was stretched out on the ground and beaten until he lost consciousness. After this execution, the king ordered him to be crucified on a cross that was shaped like the letter “X.”

The most terrible thing was that St. Andrew the First-Called was not nailed to the cross with nails, just so that he would suffer longer. Since then, all “X” shaped crosses have been called St. Andrew’s after the name of the apostle.

Miracles

There are many known cases associated with Saint Andrew. Let's consider one of them. Just before his death, while reading prayers, the apostle hanging on the cross was illuminated by heavenly light. Many people saw this miracle. This action occurred for 30 minutes. After the light stopped shining on Saint Andrew, he died. This happened on December 13 according to the new calendar. The Church traditionally considers this the day of St. Andrew the First-Called.

To Atskuri

In Georgia, in the city of Atskuri, thanks to his prayers, Andrew the First-Called incredibly revived one of the residents. Because of this event, almost all the people living in this city were baptized.

In Amaseevo

Another miracle happened in the city of Amaseev. A small child died from a disease that at that time could not be treated. This disease is known in the modern world as fever. Looking at the inconsolable suffering of the boy’s father, Andrew the First-Called revived the child through prayers.

In Nicomedia

An absolutely unique miracle happened in the city of Nicomedia. During the funeral of the baby, the apostle revived him. The boy's body was badly damaged by the dogs, but this did not interfere with the miracle.

To Thessaloniki

In Thessalonica, city residents begged the apostle to resurrect a baby who had died of suffocation. Andrew the First-Called did it.

In the city of Patras

Miracles occurred not only during the life of the apostle, but also after his death. In the city of Patras, in the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, the cross on which St. Andrew the First-Called hung is kept. Every miracle performed with the help of this cross is carefully recorded by the ministers of the church where this cross is located.

Miraculous phenomena:

1. One child, after a long and serious illness, could not walk. The baby's mother and father took him to the church straight to the cross of the holy apostle and began to pray fervently. An hour later, the boy stood up on his own and walked with a confident gait into the depths of the cathedral. This great event is noteworthy because it happened in front of the clergy.
2. One young woman learned that she had a blood disease. The hospital told her that her disease was incurable and she had about a week to live. Having learned about this, her relatives immediately went to the city of Patras, to the cathedral where the cross of the Apostle Andrew was kept. For several days, the sick woman’s husband and children read prayers near the cross. Imagine the surprise of the doctors five days later when they stated that the disease had not only receded, but had completely disappeared!

There are also many known cases where, thanks to the cross of St. Andrew the First-Called, families that were on the verge of divorce were preserved.

Revered icons

Examples of revered icons depicting the Holy Apostle Andrew:

1. The image of “The Last Supper”, Andrei Rublev’s workshop, 15th century. In addition to Andrew the First-Called, it depicts all 12 apostles sitting around a large oval table.
2. Icon "Confidence of the Apostle Thomas".
3. Greek fresco "Apostle Andrew the First-Called". Located on the island of Cyprus.

St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church is located in the city of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. It was erected back in 1748. The church was not built from scratch, but was restored, and in 1724 it was partially destroyed. The restoration began in 1744, when Queen Elizabeth arrived in Kyiv. She really liked the city of Kyiv and St. Andrew's Church itself. Later she built a residence for herself in this city. After the restoration, Elizabeth very often loved to visit the temple; she loved to read prayers at the icons, which depicted St. Andrew the First-Called.

St. Andrew's Church was originally restored for royalty and their entourage; ordinary people were not allowed to visit it. All this was reflected in the splendor of the decoration; the most expensive building materials were used for its construction. The restoration was entrusted to the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Today anyone can visit the church.

Church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Ordynka

The church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Ordynka was periodically rebuilt over the course of 4 centuries. The last major restoration took place in 1836. The restoration was led by the famous architect O. I. Bove. Philaret of Moscow himself held the first official service in the church.

Assumption Church “Sioni” in Georgia

One of the Christian churches built on the territory of modern Georgia is the Assumption Church “Sioni”. The first mention of this cathedral was in the 6th century AD. Later it was constantly rebuilt and restored. The Arabs played an important role in this, constantly destroying the temple. The last restoration was completed in 1983. The church has two bell towers.

Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral Tbilisi

Unlike previous churches, the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral of Tbilisi has a sparse history. It was built in 1989. This event was timed to coincide with the year 2000 of Christianity. The church was built under the leadership of the world-famous architect Archil Mindiashvili. Construction was completed in 2004, although the first service was held in 2002. The temple is otherwise called Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity). The main attraction of the temple is the icon called “The Hope of Georgia”. The image depicts the faces of 432 saints.

Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi

The Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi is a treasure not only of the architecture of the Russian Federation, but of the whole world. The first mention of the cathedral was at the end of the 16th century. The last major restoration was in 1848. In the 20th century, the temple was closed, but in 1991 it was officially opened again. Today it is officially an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation.

Church in honor of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God in Kuzminki

The last restoration of the church in honor of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God in Kuzminki lasted more than ten years. Construction began in 1978 and ended in 1994. In 1995, the church held its first service in many years.

Zosimo-Savvatievskaya Church in Golyanovo

A number of different public organizations operate and operate at the Zosimo-Savvatievskaya Church in Golyanovo:

1. Charitable organization helping the poor.
2. Church library.
3. Museum.
4. Children's Sunday school.
5. Adult Sunday school.
6. Spiritual center.
7. Baptistery.

St. Andrew's Church in the Diveyevo Convent

St. Andrew's Church in the Diveyevo Convent belongs to the Nizhny Novgorod diocese under the Russian Orthodox Church. The monastery itself was built at the end of the 18th century. Today it includes a whole building complex consisting of 36 temples. Among them, St. Andrew's Church occupies not the last place. It was built in honor of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called.

St. Andrew's Cathedral in St. Petersburg

Another world-famous cathedral built in honor of the Apostle Andrew is St. Andrew's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Historians believe that it owes its appearance to Peter I, who considered St. Andrew the First-Called his patron. After the death of Peter I, the construction of St. Andrew's Cathedral was continued by Empress Catherine I, which was completed in 1731, thanks to the architect Giuseppe Trezzini. The last restoration of the temple was in 1995.

Day of Remembrance

Memorial Day of the Apostle according to the church calendar is December 13, November 30 in the old style.

Faith and fidelity

The highest state award of the Russian Federation is the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, this Order is awarded for outstanding services that contribute to the prosperity, greatness and glory of Russia. The motto placed on the reverse side of the Order: “For faith and fidelity.”

The apostle himself had great faith and fidelity to God, and even if we are not worthy to reach the Order, we can always beg Saint Andrew to help us strengthen our faith and fidelity to the Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe through the prayers of the holy apostle we will be lucky enough to know Christ in this life, which is greater than all rewards.

Author: Irina Nechaeva

St. Andrew's Day

On December 13, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. Andrew the First-Called, the first of the Twelve Apostles.

Unfortunately, St. Andrew's Day is often mistakenly considered by people to be an excellent opportunity to tell fortunes about your future husband. This has nothing to do with the church tradition of celebrating the day of St. Andrew the First-Called. On this day, services are held, people pray, and it is better to abandon secular and superstitious pagan traditions on St. Andrew’s Day. According to the Gospel of John, it was the Apostle Andrew who first became a disciple of Christ. Subsequently, like the other apostles, he conveyed the Word of God to other nations, risking his own life. The Apostle Andrew accepted martyrdom for his faith in Christ.

We advise you to study Congratulations on the Apple Savior in prose

Andrew the First-Called, was born in the city of Bethsaida in Galilee. His father Jonah was a fisherman. Subsequently, together with his brother Simon (Peter), St. Andrew lived in Capernaum, on the shores of Lake Gennesaret, where the brothers earned their livelihood by fishing.

From a young age, Apostle Andrew was very devout and prayed a lot. Having matured, he did not marry and became a disciple of the holy prophet John the Baptist. Before his calling, together with John the Theologian, he listened in the desert to the preaching of repentance by the Forerunner and Baptist John, who pointed him to Jesus as the Savior. Andrew became one of the first disciples of Christ. He is mentioned periodically in the Gospels; mainly, his life and works are known from legends. However, the undeniable fact is that Andrew, together with the other apostles, listened to the instructions of Jesus Christ, saw His countless miracles, and witnessed the suffering, death and Resurrection of the Savior.

Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Holy Apostle, Patron of the Fatherland

December 13 is the day of remembrance of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called

How does Saint Andrew the First-Called help? Life of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called Prayers for the Apostle Andrew the First-Called Akathist to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called The Greatness of Andrew the First-Called Video about the Apostle Andrew

WHAT DOES THE APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED HELP WITH?

Apostle Andrew the First-Called is considered the first preacher of the Christian faith of our lands, therefore, in front of his icon they pray for the protection of the Fatherland. Saint Andrew put in a lot of work to spread the faith of Christ; he is a very strong helper in strengthening it, as well as in protecting against the intrigues and attacks of evil forces. An apostle can help in healing from illnesses - “Everywhere in the Name of the Lord Jesus, healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons...” (words from the akathist to St. Andrew the First-Called)

Before his calling, Andrew the First-Called was a simple fisherman, so he is considered the patron saint of fishermen and people associated with the sea.

The Russian Navy has always been under the patronage of St. Andrew the First-Called; the naval battle banner depicts the St. Andrew's Cross. Before going to sea, military sailors and their relatives serve a prayer service for St. Andrew the First-Called, so that he would patronize them on campaigns and help them return home.

Even the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, according to popular legend, helps girls in search of a good groom, and parents pray to him so that their daughter leads a chaste lifestyle.

It must be remembered that icons or saints do not “specialize” in any specific areas. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer. Which saints and who should we pray to on different occasions and why our prayers remain unanswered.

THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

Andrei Zavedeev, the future apostle Andrew the First-Called, was an ordinary fisherman. Andrew was very interested in answers to many spiritual questions, so he became a disciple of John the Baptist. Then many began to consider the Forerunner to be the Messiah Himself, who was predicted in the Bible, but he claimed that he was the one who was preparing the way for Him. Along with his brother John, Andrew followed the prophet and one day, while baptizing people in the Jordan, he finally saw their teacher point to a Man and say: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” St. John Chrysostom in his “Eulogy to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called” wrote: “The now remembered Andrew, when he found the Lord of all as some treasure of light, exclaimed, turning to his brother Peter: “We have found the Messiah.” Then Peter also joined the disciples of Christ. But still, they were not yet completely devoted to serving the Lord, but continued to live with their families and catch fish for food.

A few months later, the Lord passed, as it is written in the Gospel, past Lake Galilee, saw the brothers and said to them: “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. And they immediately left their nets and followed Him.” The Apostle Andrew was called the First-Called - he was the first to follow Christ. There is little information about Andrew in Scripture; we mainly know about his activities from his Life and Acts. The Gospel says that it was the Apostle Andrew who pointed to the boy with five loaves and two fish, which Jesus Christ later multiplied and fed several thousand people. The Holy Apostle Andrew was with the Savior throughout His entire earthly life, at the Last Supper, during meetings with the Lord after His Resurrection, he saw the Ascension of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit also descended on him on Pentecost.

After Pentecost, the apostles determined by lot the countries in which they were to preach the Christian faith. Apostle Andrew got the job of bringing the Gospel to the peoples on the Black Sea coast and further north to the Scythians. There is no exact data on how far the Apostle Andrew advanced geographically in his ministry. Historians believe that he visited the territory of Crimea, part of Ukraine, the Kuban and the Caucasus, but there is no exact evidence of this. One thing is certain: Apostle Andrew the First-Called is the first preacher of the good news in “our region” and perhaps that is why he has been invisibly present in the history of Russia for many centuries.

From everywhere, the Apostle Andrew, just like all the other apostles, received resistance from the pagans, and his activities were accompanied by suffering. The Apostle Paul wrote about this: “We are oppressed on every side, but not oppressed; we are in desperate circumstances, but we do not despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are cast down, but we do not perish. We always bear in our body the death of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10).

Many miracles, healings and even resurrections from the dead took place through the prayers of St. Andrew the First-Called in different regions and cities. A large number of people converted to the Christian faith after these miracles and the sermons of the Apostle Andrew. After some time, just at the time of the beginning of the persecution of Christians, Andrei returned to Rome, and then ended up on the Greek Peloponnese peninsula, where he began to defend, risking his life, the faith of Christ before the Roman governor Aegeat. He believed that it was completely wrong to worship someone who died a shameful death on the cross. I didn’t understand why he himself was “dead” and why he needed to be saved and find his soul. In the end, arguing, Egeat threatened Andrew with death on the cross, the same as Jesus Christ accepted. Like the Teacher, the Apostle Andrew was not afraid of the threats; he was put in prison, where he began to await execution. The people understood that he was innocent and had not committed any wrongdoing, people were even ready to rebel, and Andrei explained to them that these sufferings for the glory of Christ would lead him to eternal glory.

For two days, Apostle Andrew hung in torment on an oblique cross in the shape of the letter X (this cross was called St. Andrew’s), continuing to preach to people and calling them to faith and humility. Having accepted martyrdom, approximately in the 70s of the first century, Andrew the First-Called departed to the Lord.

Already at the very beginning of the conversion to Christianity, in the 11th century, St. Andrew the First-Called was deeply revered in Rus'. In 1030, the youngest son of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Vsevolod Yaroslavich, was baptized with the name Andrei, and in 1086 he founded the St. Andrew's Monastery in Kyiv, the first convent of Rus'. Around the same years, the first temple in the name of St. Andrew the First-Called was founded in Novgorod. On the day of the founding of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great laid an ark with a particle of the relics of the Apostle Andrew, the patron of this city, into the foundation of the fortress.

The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called is the highest order of the state. This was the most famous Russian order, which became the highest award of the Russian Empire until 1917, and since 1998 - of the Russian Federation, and the banner with the St. Andrew's Cross is still considered the flag of the Russian navy.

GREATNESS

We magnify you, Apostle of Christ Andrew, and honor your illnesses and labors, in which you worked in the gospel of Christ.

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The meaning of the icon of St. Andrew the First-Called

If you look at how Saint Andrew the First-Called is depicted, the icon almost always includes a diagonal cross in the background. This symbol is used many times in heraldry and in various other fields. In general, the diagonal cross refers to elementary symbols, so it is difficult to say when the icon of St. Andrew was the basis, and when it was just a combination of stripes. One way or another, it is definitely possible to point to the St. Andrew's flag and the flag of Scotland.

Since ancient times, the icon of St. Andrew the First-Called has been of significant significance for sailors and fishermen, and indeed for everyone who is related to navigation. This righteous man is considered the protector of all who communicate with the water element.

It should also be noted the high significance of the icon of St. Andrew the First-Called for all Russian Orthodox people. After all, in fact, it was thanks to him that Christianity came to Rus'. Of course, many can talk about the baptism of Rus', but initially it was this apostle who carried the word of Christ on the Scythian lands. Moreover, his work was very great, because he had to preach among the pagans, who did not particularly like such preaching.

How to get to the Church of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called

The temple is under the control of the Patras Metropolitanate of the Greek Orthodox Church and is the largest temple in Greece. Free admission.

Relics of the Apostle Andrew in the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called (Patras, Greece)

You can get there by train (St. Andrew station, located 400 meters from the cathedral) or taxi. But the best option would be to visit the temple along an excursion route from another city.

On a note! The cathedral is open to the public from 8.00 to 11.00 and from 16.30 to 19.00 daily.

Why is Apostle Andrew called the First-Called?

At that time, when the holy prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John was passing through Israel preaching, the Apostle Andrew was a fisherman together with another future disciple of Christ, John, the son of Zebedee. They followed the prophet until Jesus Christ himself found himself at the Jordan. Then John the Baptist told his disciples that He was the Messiah.

“In the morning John saw Jesus coming to himself and saying: Behold, Lamb of God, take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29)

“The next day John sees Jesus coming to him and says, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 29)

The Apostle Andrew was the first to immediately follow Christ, calling with him his comrade, John, and his brother, Simon, nicknamed Peter.

Simon Peter became one of the two chief apostles most revered for their contributions to the preaching of the Gospel. For some time, the apostles returned to their occupation - fishing. But after the Lord called them again near Lake Galilee, promising to make them “fishers of men,” they finally took the path of preaching Christianity.

Prayers to Apostle Andrew the First-Called

Troparion, tone 4

As the first-called apostles/ and the supremely present brother,/ the Lord of all, Andrei, pray/ to grant universal peace// and great mercy to our souls.

Translation: As the first of the apostles, and the supreme brother of Peter, who was called, pray to the Lord of the whole world, Andrew, that He may grant peace to the universe and great mercy to our souls.

Kontakion, tone 2

Let us praise the courage of the namesake of the God-speaker/ and the Church of the supreme successor,/ Peter’s relative,/ just as in ancient times, and now we cry // come, you have found what you desire.

Translation: Let us praise the same name for courage (from other Greek Ἀνδρέας - courageous) of the Preacher of God and the Savior who was called first of the disciples, the relative of Peter; for he, as he once did, now cried out to us: “Come, we have found the Desired One!” (John 1:40-41).

Greatness

We magnify you,/ Apostle of Christ Andrew,/ and honor your illnesses and labors,/ in which you labored// in the gospel of Christ.

Prayer

To the First-Called Apostle of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, Supreme Follower of the Church, Most Valuable Andrew, we glorify and magnify your apostolic labors, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, We honor your honorable suffering, which you endured for Christ, we kiss your sacred relics, we honor your holy memory and we believe that as the Lord lives, your soul lives as well, and you remain with Him forever in Heaven, where you loved us with the same love that you loved us, when you saw through the Holy Spirit. If you have already turned to Christ, and not just love, but pray to God for us, all our needs are in vain in His Light. 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, this and everyone from us, and not seeking your own, but also for the building up of your neighbor and for the heavenly calling, yes thinks. Having you as a representative and prayer book for us, we trust that your prayer can accomplish much before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom is due all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy One Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands”.

Icon of the Image of the Mother of God, called “Three-Handed”

They pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for diseases of the hands, feet, mental unrest, and during a fire.

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands”

Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin Mary! We fall down and worship Thee before Thy holy icon, remembering Thy glorious miracle by healing the truncated right hand of the Venerable John of Damascus, which was revealed from the icon, whose sign is visible to this day on it in the form of a third hand attached to Thy image. We pray to You and ask You, the All-merciful and All-generous Intercessor of our race: hear us, praying to You, and, like blessed John, who cried out to You in sorrow and illness, You heard us, so do not despise us, who are grieving and suffering from the wounds of many different passions and those who diligently come running to You from a contrite and humble soul. You see, O All-Merciful Lady, our infirmities, our embitterment, our need, I will demand our help and intercession, as if we are surrounded by enemies from everywhere and there is no one who helps, less than one who intercedes, unless You have mercy on us, the Lady. To her, we pray to You, listen to our painful voice and help us to preserve the patristic Orthodox faith until the end of our days, to walk unswervingly in all the commandments of the Lord, to always bring true repentance for our sins to God and to be honored with a peaceful Christian death and a good answer at the Last Judgment of the Son Thy and our God, Whom we begged for us with Thy Motherly prayer, may He not condemn us according to our iniquity, but may He have mercy on us according to His great and ineffable mercy. O All-Good One! Hear us and do not deprive us of Your sovereign help, yes, having received salvation through You, let us sing and glorify You on the land of the living and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of You, to whom befits glory and power, honor and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit always , now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos, who showed a great miracle to Saint John of Damascus, as if he showed true faith and undoubted hope! Hear us, Thy sinners (names), before Thy miraculous icon, earnestly praying and asking for Thy help: do not reject this prayer of many for the sake of our sins, but, as the Mother of mercy and generosity, deliver us from illnesses, sorrows and sorrows, forgive us for what we have done sins, fill with joy and gladness all who honor Your holy icon, so that we joyfully sing and glorify Your name with love, for You are chosen from all generations, blessed forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos of Three Hands.

Today, great worldwide joy has arisen for us, given to the holy Mount Athos, Thy celibate-bearing icon, Lady Theotokos, with the image of Thy three-numbered and inseparably most pure hands, for the glorification of the Holy Trinity: for Thou convenes the faithful and those who pray to Thee for this to know, as two are the Ones who hold the Son and the Lord , show the third as a refuge and protection to those who honor You from all misfortunes and troubles, so that all who flow to You by faith receive liberation from all evils and protection from enemies. For this reason, we, together with Athos, cry out: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Today the reigning city of Moscow brightly flaunts, having in itself, O Most Merciful, the Most Honest of all creation, our Intercessor, the Virgin Mother of God, Thy honorable image, with which you astonish the sunflower ends of the earth and grant peace to the world, in the image of the Holy Trinity you manifest three hands: two for His Son , Christ our God, you bear, the third one who faithfully delivers those who come running to You from misfortunes and troubles, and you save them from drowning, and you give something useful to everyone, and you show the monk Michael the Mount of Malebnos, and you always have mercy on everyone, with your honest robe you cover this residence and all the cities and our country, let us call Ti: Rejoice, O Joyful One.

Like a shining star, the all-honorable icon of Your Three-Handed Mother miraculously came from Serbia to Athos, and the Hilandar monastery reverently received it, like a Divine gift from above, glorifying You, the Lady, and tenderly crying out: do not leave Your mercy from us, but abide with us forever.

We magnify Thee, Most Immaculate Virgin, and honor the miracles of Thy holy image, the appearance of Thy three most pure hands to the glory of the Divine, in the Trinity of our God.