Prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for good luck, good work and health

"Save me, God!".
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Believers greatly reverence the Holy Great Martyrs and Orthodox Apostles. Suffering people turn to them for healing, for help in everyday and spiritual matters. Andrew the First-Called is one of the most famous apostles. But why he became so famous and what problems those in need come to him with, you will now find out.

Apostle Andrew is known as the First Called because he became the first of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Together with his brother Simon (who later became the Apostle Peter), Andrei was engaged in fishing. While still a young man, he decided to devote his life to serving the Lord.

At first, the future evangelist was a disciple of John the Baptist. But after meeting Jesus, he followed him, preaching and glorifying the Orthodox faith until the last day of the life of the Son of God. On the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, the gift of God came to the apostles. They could heal the bodies and souls of believers.

In addition, they could speak different languages, which gave them the opportunity to preach in different countries. The Apostle Andrew fell to the countries near the Black Sea and the Danube River. He devoted himself entirely to serving the Lord. He suffered for his faith. He was nailed to the cross. But he was ready for suffering, because he chose this path for himself.

The best article for you, go to: Prayer service to Archangel Michael

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.

Prayers and Akathist to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called

Troparion and Kontakion to the Saint Prayers to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called Akathist to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called Greatness

TROPARION AND KONDACION TO THE HOLY APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

Troparion, tone 4

As the first-called and supreme brother of the apostles, the Lord of all, Andrew, pray to grant greater peace to the universe and great mercy to our souls.

Kontakion, tone 2

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

PRAYER TO THE HOLY APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

First-called Apostle of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, supreme follower of the Church, all-validated Andrew! We glorify and magnify your apostolic works, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, we bless your honorable suffering, which you endured for Christ, we kiss your sacred relics, we honor your holy memory and believe that the Lord lives, and your soul lives, too. You remain with us forever in heaven, where you do not forsake us with your love, as you loved our fathers, when through the Holy Spirit you saw our land turning to Christ. We believe, as God prayed for us; in His light all our needs are in vain. Thus we confess this faith of ours in your temple, and we pray to the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that through your prayers he will give us everything we need for the salvation of us sinners: as you abied the voice of the Lord, forsake your fears; and let each one of us seek not his own, but for the building up of his neighbor, and let him think about a higher calling. Having you as an intercessor and 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 and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Akathist to the Holy APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

How to read the akathist correctly

Kontakion 1

Let us praise the first-called Apostle of Christ, the Holy Gospel preacher, the God-inspired enlightener of the Russian country, the most glorious Andrew, with songs, standing on the top of the hill, where his right hand raised the Cross, 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.

Ikos1

You were the angel of the good news of the Lamb of Christ, who takes away the sins of the world, to Andrew the Apostle, and you remain with Him forever in Heaven; From there, look at the songs brought to you in your temple, in the place where your feet stand, and, as you are rich in the grace of God, give us a good word, so that we call to you: Rejoice, thou who shone forth unto us the star from the city of Bethsaida; Rejoice, equal brother of the Supreme Peter. Rejoice, disciple of the great Forerunner of Christ; Rejoice, first of all the apostles, called to apostolic service by the Lord Himself. Rejoice, for you also joyfully cried out to others: “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 the Messiah you had found for all the days of your life, and you brought your oldest brother to Him. Likewise, we, like your least brothers, do not cease to be attracted to Him, and we, following in your footsteps, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Seeing in you, Saint Andrew, a flame of faith and love, the Lord again found you on the lake of Gennesaret, like a fisherman, together with your brother, sweeping deep waters, and he said to you: “He will come after Me, and I will make you a fisher of man.” You followed Him aby and with the inspired word, as if you caught people in the wild for Christ, with them we, caught by you for salvation, say to you: Rejoice, for you learned spiritual fishing from the Lord Himself; Rejoice, for on the same lake with the others the apostles were overwhelmed; by 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; Rejoice, having received the gift from the Lord to heal every ailment and every disease. Rejoice, for a voice from heaven was heard by the Greeks, who saw Christ by you; Rejoice, for there was a revelation on the Mount of Olives that will come to you at the end of the world. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 3

Having enjoyed the wanderings of the Lady and the Immortal Meal in the High Place of Zion, as a faithful friend of Christ, together with the rest of the apostles, you saw the Lord and your God, from the Worthless and the Holy Spirit you received, in order to bind and solve the sins of people. And again, in the same upper room of Zionstei, there was an abundant outpouring of the promised Spirit on you in fiery tongues. Moreover, all the tribes were amazed at how 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 flown 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit; with them we too have been made worthy of the grace of Baptism. For this reason, let us sing a note of gratitude to you: Rejoice, faithful herald of Christ’s miracles; Rejoice, loud preacher of the Holy Gospel. Rejoice, idolatrous service to the consumer; Rejoice, planter of true piety. Rejoice, for according to your word people are reborn by water and the Spirit; Rejoice, for through you the faithful partake of the Immortal Meal. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 4

The power of God has fallen upon you, First-Called Apostle, to proclaim the power and glory of the Son of God and to confirm all faith in the Holy Trinity for those called. In the same way, keep us, who worship the One God in the Three Hypostases, in the green pasture of the faith of Christ, so that we may be sanctified by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and with a loud voice we sing to him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having brought your brother Simon Peter, the First-Called, to Christ, you went with him to your apostolic ministry, first to Antioch and Sinope, and there, having defeated the demons of the regiment, you freed your companion Apostle Matthias from the prison bonds, and baptized those who were with him, to the Supreme Peter flowing from there to the western countries, 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, secretly freeing us from the bonds of hell. Rejoice, west and east with your godly wise brother, preaching for the sake of the word of God, dividing by lot; Rejoice, in the city of Sinope you 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 who appeared to you the healing of ulcers was granted to you. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 5

Returning twice to the holy city, and together with the apostles, you celebrated the fiftieth day there, twice again you marched from holy Zion, to preach Christ to the whole world, first with John, the confidant of the Lord, and then with Simon the Canaanite and Matthias, whose lot was destined to become an apostle, and the entire 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 Euxine Apostolic Pontus, your spread out and all the seas around, proclaiming your gospel, you have risen, O First-Called One, into the countries of Scythia, planting the Cross of Christ everywhere as a sign of our salvation. For this reason, we, even if we were born later, heeding your gospel and remembering your deeds, call to you: Rejoice, thou who has tamed the fierce robbers in Nicaea and slain the fiercest dragon; Rejoice, the Cross of Christ has been erected in the midst of this city, as the Forerunner of the two-fold Father of the God-bearing ones gathered there. Rejoice, for in Asia and Pontus the light of Christ has risen by you; Rejoice, for your apostolic rod has opened the foothills of the Caucasus to the light of Christ. Rejoice, for the darkness of the Cimmerians was illuminated; Rejoice, who gave the universe life to drink from streams of water. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 6

Possessed by a storm of passions and, like the waters of the ocean, troubled, the tribes of men, who do not know the True God, you led, O apostle, to the quiet refuge of Christ, and you established those hearts, like a fragile boat, overwhelmed by unbelief, on the anchors of the Orthodox faith. In the same way, we, as children of the Orthodox faith, cry out to God with grateful hearts and grateful lips: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

On the Mount of Olives, sometimes you and the other apostles asked your Divine Teacher, Andrew: “Tell us, what is the sign of Your coming?” On the mountains of Kyiv, as an organ of the grace of the Holy Spirit, you foretold the coming glory of this place; We, having been honored with this mercy prophesied to us, tenderly cry out to you: Rejoice, for you brought us the law of the Gospel from Mount Zion; Rejoice, for through the waters of Voristhenes the apostle of God came to us. Rejoice, grace of the Jordan, for the sake of our Baptism, you bestowed this word; Rejoice, the Cross of our salvation has been erected on the mountains of Kyiv. Rejoice, for the abundant outpouring of God’s grace was foretold here; Rejoice, for the existence of the city is great and many churches are to be heralded here. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 7

Today, in fulfillment of your prophetic voice, the glorious temple adorns itself in the place where you foresaw things that do not exist, as if they exist through the gift of the Holy Spirit; Around it, a great city with golden-domed churches testifies to the truth of your words, to which even to this day you, as if 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 on the Russian earth, like the star of our salvation, raising up after herself, like a luminous luminary, her grandson Vladimir, the enlightener of the entire midnight country. In the same way, we, having raised our eyes to you, Andrew the God-Wise, as to the initial harbinger of our salvation, let us write this praiseworthy: Rejoice, for the star of our salvation, Holy Olga, was granted the knowledge of the Divine light; 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 this day; 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 saving font for us. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 8

The shepherds and flocks preach the memory of your deeds to the glorious city of Kyiv and the entire Russian country, O wise man Andrew the Apostle; in the depths of the caves, the incorruptible saints of God, with Anthony and Theodosius, with silent lips, as if they live, proclaim your glory throughout the century and generation, for by you the Cross erected here, like a blessed-leaved tree, will grow to bear us the fruits of piety and holiness. We of your heavenly helix, like spiritual chicks, have taught us to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Not just Rus', you were the herald of salvation, the First-Called Apostle of Christ, but you brought the entire Slovenian tribe, like the Kokosh, gathering its chicks under the wing, to Christ; You, from Chersonis, into the darkness of the midnight country, looking through the people there, so that the wise teachers, Cyril and Methodius, might learn the word of God, you have prepared your preaching for many centuries; We, like the mouths of these enlighteners of ours, cry out loudly to you: Rejoice, blessed Slovenian tribe from time immemorial; Rejoice, thou madet wise by their word by the word of God. Rejoice, for the child of God was obedient to the word of the Church; Rejoice, for in Chersonis, where you preached, the first Russian writer, Saint Cyril, was found and received. 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 fear of deserted Scythia, you extended your apostolic wanderings into the depths of the midnight country, First-Called One, from there you came to ancient Rome, who then became the head of the pagan world; Otherwise, for the sake of idolatry, leave him, and come to the red shore of Vospor, there in the city of Byzantium, where the new Rome and Mother became a Christian, you established your apostolic throne, so that from it the entire East and North will 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,” a man says psalmically, as if a person was spiritually born in it, a new Zion has become for us Kiev: in it the light and grace of God appeared to all the sons of Russia from the pulpit, which you, the First-Called Apostle, established in Byzantium. In the same way, we, illuminated by the Everlasting Light, gratefully cry out to you: Rejoice, you who descended from Mount Zion and illuminated multi-hill Kyiv with the mountain light; Rejoice, you have sent down to this city many spiritual fruits with your blessing. Rejoice, for thou hast established thy apostolic throne in the midst of the universe; Rejoice, for under its shadow (in new Rome) you have gathered all the languages enlightened by you. Rejoice, since Orthodoxy is established in their souls; Rejoice, for even the darkness of the West breaks away from the East. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 10

When the time of your repose came, blessed apostle, you came to the ancient Patras of Achaia, and there you were devoured, for you ended the course, you fought a good fight, preaching Christ crucified to everyone, a 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 the Unknown and learned to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Everywhere in the Name of the Lord Jesus you healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, and in Patras you affirmed your dying sermon with miracles, O Apostle of Christ, and you turned the anthipate of the Blade to the knowledge of the truth, when you were struck by an ulcer for the sake of opposition, you were quickly raised from your sickbed; All the people, having seen the power of God in you, crushed their idols, therefore the Lord appeared to you, as Paul sometimes did in Corinth, and commanded you to take up your cross, thereby marking your suffering in Patras, for His sake. In the same way, we, marveling at the great grace in you, reverently cry: Rejoice, great power of Almighty God; Rejoice, treasure of great price and wonders. Rejoice, enlightenment and decoration of ancient Patras; Rejoice, you who have changed the unbelief of the anfipat into faith. Rejoice, for there the Lord again appeared to you, calling you to the feat of the cross; Rejoice, for the crown of righteousness has been prepared for you. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 11

Nero the Caesar, like sometimes Herod, raised a persecution against all the faithful, in Rome I will behead Paul with the sword, and crucify Peter on the cross, likewise the tormenting hand reached you in Patras, when instead of the meek Blade you installed the cruel Egeatas as a judge, who did not tolerate the baptism of his brother, below, he was softened by the healing of his wife, cast into prison and, like the supreme Peter, condemned to the cross. You, this prisoner, in a darker dungeon, as if in a bright temple, thou didst vouch for Anthipat’s brother Stratoklis as Bishop Patrom, singing to God with all the faithful in the midst of the prison: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

In the place of the forehead we erect a cross, having seen, on which you were crucified, you were not afraid, O apostle, even to death to testify to your beloved and beloved Christ, and stretching out your hand to this sign of salvation, you tenderly cried out: Rejoice, O All-Honorable Cross, before him I stand with joy, knowing you, my hope; Rejoice, Life-Giving Cross, whose head has reached to Heaven, and crush the foot of the gates of hell. Rejoice, venerable Cross, accepted by my Master as the sweetest 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 were the fulfillment of my joy; Rejoice in the same way, O passion-bearer, having sealed your faith in Christ on the Cross. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 12

“Come, witness of my joy! “You called to the apostle Egeata, the executor of the will, “do your will, crucify me and, like a lamb, sacrifice me to the Creator who created me.” And this river, you ascended to the cross, as if to a high pulpit, for three days and three nights you preached the word of God to the people standing around, so that they would not be afraid of death, confessing the Lord Jesus. When your face was illuminated with the light of Heaven, the tormentor was horrified and commanded to take you from the cross; Otherwise, you, the passion-bearer, did not want to be freed from the torment of the cross, until your departure you incessantly cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Glorifying your apostolic deeds, Andrew the First-Called, we honor your holy death, with which you glorified the Life-Giving Passion of the Son of God, and with the tenderness of our hearts we cry to you: Rejoice, friend of Christ, who with joy endured the suffering of the Cross for Him; 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 autumn you are light, like lightning from heaven; Rejoice, for you have promised great grace to those who Orthodoxy confess the Christ you preached, the Son of God. Rejoice, apostolic foundation of the Mountain of Jerusalem; Rejoice, sitting with the apostles on one of the twelve thrones, to judge all the tribes of Israel. Rejoice, Andrew, First-Called Apostle of Christ.

Kontakion 13

O First-Called Apostle of Christ Andrew, look upon this blessing of all who honor your holy memory, and as you have erected the Tree of the Cross on the mountains of the city of Kiev, ever overshadow us with this saving sign, so that, guarded by the Cross of the Lord God and our Savior, we will reach the measure of the age of fulfillment Christ and let us be worthy with you and with all the saints, in a voice of joy, to sing to God our Savior forever and ever: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Ikos 1

Kontakion 1

Prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for love

Many boys and girls, desperate to improve their personal lives, ask for help from a Higher Power. Andrew the First-Called, whose prayer for help has already helped a huge number of people, will definitely hear long and sincere prayer requests, and will help improve relationships in a couple, find a worthy life partner and solve other personal troubles. There is no text that is specifically intended for the search for love, that is, a universal prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called, which helps to cope with problems in your personal life too.

Prayer to Andrew the First-Called for his daughter’s marriage

Parents want to see their children happy, so they worry about which chosen one is destined for them. It is not easy to please parents and their fiancé, but they themselves can take care of choosing a worthy life partner for their child by turning to the Higher Powers. A prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for marriage will help protect your daughter from a sinful marriage and a bad choice of a life partner.

You need to go to church and put three candles there near the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Jesus and his main disciple. When leaving home, buy candles and take blessed water. If you don't have the looks above, buy those too. At home alone, light candles in front of the image and place a container of blessed water next to it. First, read the “Our Father” and Psalm 90, and then cross yourself. Repeat the petitions below three times in a row, making sure to sign the sign of the cross.

What does the iconographic image of the first of the apostles look like?

Iconography: Andrew the First-Called, Apostle

Dating: XVIII century. Last third of the 18th century.

Icon painting school or art center: Olonets province.

Icon painter: Old Believer master.

Origin: From the chapel of the Apostle John the Theologian in the village of Zekhnov, Kenozero parish.

Material: Wood, gesso, tempera, gilding

Icon dimensions: height 46 cm, width 34 cm

Icon of the Deesis order. Half-length image of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called.

Inv. No. KP 9. © Kenozersky National Park

The icon of St. Andrew the First-Called is a portrait of a happy man who met Christ in his life and gave it all to serving Him, walking his path meaningfully and not in vain.

Useful materials

He was the first of His disciples to exclaim: “We have found the Messiah, which means Christ” (John 1:41),

and brought brother Peter to the Savior, for which he was called the First Called (in Greek “
Protokletos
”). The path of his life was difficult, on the cross, full of hardships and adversity, but it became the fulfillment of the will of God to bring the Gospel word to all languages and to build a new Church:

“ You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light ” (Pet. 2:9) .

Apostle Andrew the First-Called

On icons, Saint Andrew is often depicted with a cross in his hand, or with an oblique cross behind his back. The cross on the icon symbolizes his martyrdom. In the Orthodox tradition, icons with crosses depict those who suffered for the faith of Christ. Saint Andrew the First-Called died as a martyr in the city of Patras in the year 62. According to legend, the apostle was crucified on an oblique cross in the shape of the letter X.

Interesting fact

This cross has since been called St. Andrew's and is depicted on the flag of the Russian fleet.

The saint died for a long time, several days, however, he evaded the help of his disciples, who tried to save him and rebelled against the tyrant and tormentor Egeat. Those instructed by the apostle in the faith tried to save their teacher from death and take him down from the cross, but Andrew, who loved the Cross of Christ more than anything else in the world, said to them:

“Oh, what cowardice and foolishness there are in those whom I taught so much! Have you not yet convinced them to deviate from earthly passions? Do they still want to stay in them? How long will you be upset by what is before your eyes, without directing your spirit to what awaits us in the future? Let me end my life as the Lord judged me; no one will free me from these bonds, for this is my calling: to strip off this body and strive to the Lord, for whose sake and with whom I am crucified.”

In addition to the cross on the icon, Saint Andrew holds in his hand a scroll - Divine Scripture, or a book - the Gospel, which symbolizes his apostolic, teaching work. A book or scroll, which is the same thing, on icons is always a symbol of educational activity, belonging to mentors and teachers of the Church, saints, apostles and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself - the Divine Teacher.

Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Greek fresco, Fr. Cyprus, XI century Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Greek fresco, Fr. Cyprus, XI century

On the icons the saint is depicted dressed in an apostolic tunic, with a distinctive feature - a clave, such a sewn stripe on the shoulder, and with a himation thrown over it - something like a cape or cloak.

The face of the apostle is especially interesting and expressive in the icon. His appearance is courageous, which corresponds to the name that the saint bore; in Greek, Andrew means courageous. The face is open, the eyes are wide open, the feature is thick tousled hair, which gives the appearance of expression, a character of determination and activity.

And indeed, from the life of the apostle according to various sources, incl. and apocryphal, it is known that he went preaching to distant countries, moving thousands and thousands of kilometers away from Jerusalem and his native Bethsaida, bringing the word of God to the pagans and the most savage peoples, according to legend - even to cannibals.

A simple fisherman from Lake Gennesaret needed to have great strength of spirit, strong faith and strength of character, as well as physical strength, in order to bring the word of Truth to people in distant lands, being a stranger to them. The strength and activity of the character of the Apostle Andrew is embodied in his emotional image on the icons. Only the images of the Old Testament prophets are conveyed with the same pathos in the church tradition.

According to the testimony of the hagiographer monk Epiphanius, who compiled a description of the acts of the Apostle Andrew in the 9th century and borrowed data from various sources, the appearance of the apostle, fisherman and navigator, was such that he was of considerable height, but was somewhat bent, had thick hair and eyes, clear, filled with blessed light, the nose was like an eagle. So Epiphanius writes that Andrei was “ tall, but sat, brow, a little hunched over

».

These brief characteristics correspond to the purposeful Andrew, with a burning heart awaiting the Messiah, who, having heard from his teacher John the instruction “ Behold, Lamb of God, take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29),

immediately went after Jesus. And when he was with Christ and heard His words, he immediately called others:

“First find this brother Simon, and say to him: I have found the Messiah, who is, so to speak, Christ” (John 1:41).

Having taken upon himself the cross of apostolic service, and to all the other people he met on the path of life, Andrei revealed the good news about the Savior and led everyone after Him with his ardent preaching.

Apostle Andrew the First-Called and Evangelist John the Theologian

In ancient Russian art, the image of the Apostle Andrew is fixed in a stable iconographic type, representing the saint as gray-haired, with a forked, not very long beard, in yellow-green shades of vestments, with a scroll in his hands. A Russian icon painting from the 16th century describes his image as follows:

“The Holy Glorious and All-Valuable Apostle Andrew the First-Called, thick hair like Flora’s, brad around the hem of the Theologian, gray-haired, in two small, a sankir robe with whitewash, from the waist a robe with whitewash, holding a scroll, curled with both hands, with the left hand of the robe draped, bare feet "

Earliest images

Ap. Andrey. Mosaic of the oratory of the Archbishop's Chapel. Ravenna. 494–519

The most ancient images of St. Andrew are known as wall paintings: mosaics in Ravenna (Italy), in the dome of the baptistery (5th century), in Sinai in the apse of the catholicon of the monastery of the Great Martyr. Catherine (550–565), the mosaic image of Andrew occupies the most honorable place, paired with the Apostle Paul. The image of the apostle was preserved on frescoes in the apses of the chapel in Bauita (Egypt, 6th century), in the church of Santa Maria Antiqua in Rome (705–707), and other places.

Many ancient images of St. Andrew have been preserved in Russia, where since ancient times he has been considered their Russian apostle and the founder of our Church.

Iconography in Rus'

It is known from life that according to the apostolic lot, Saint Andrew was given the north-eastern lands for preaching. He went to Thrace, Macedonia, Scythia. He walked along the Dnieper to the site of the future city of Kyiv, where he installed the Holy Cross on the mountain and blessed the future glorious city. There is a tradition that the apostle reached Novgorod and Valaam, there is no evidence of this, but why not consider church tradition, the ancient readings of the Prologue, the early establishment of services to the saint, the many churches dedicated to him in Rus' and the people's love for him as proof of the illumination of the Russian land by the apostolic preaching? Andrey.

Already at the beginning of the 11th century, in the princely family of the Monomakhovichs, there was veneration of St. Andrew as a patron. The son of Yaroslav the Wise, Vsevolod, was given the Greek name Andrei at baptism, and further princes Andrei appeared in the family.

Apostle Andrew the First-Called and Holy Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky

Interesting fact

In 1086, the St. Andrew's Monastery was founded in Kyiv, and a few years later a temple was founded in Novgorod. In 1089, a stone cathedral in the name of St. Andrew the First-Called in Pereyaslavl was consecrated.

The perception of Saint Andrew as our Russian apostle, who laid the foundation in Russia of the Orthodox Church, which became an equal sister to the other Orthodox churches of the West and East, is enshrined in the literary tradition by the tale of the Tale of Bygone Years - “The Word about the Baptism of the Russian land by the Holy Apostle Andrew, as he came to Russia.”

The oldest Russian icon depicting the apostle can most likely be considered the “Assumption of the Mother of God” painted in the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery (circa 1073). The ancient image has not been preserved, but is known only from copies. Among them, the most famous repetition is the “Assumption” of 1671 (Trinity-Sergius Lavra, museum collection), painted by Simon Ushakov, and the image of Kirill Ulanov of 1702 with an enamel frame on the margins (State Tretyakov Gallery). The four apostles especially stand out in the composition: John the Theologian bending towards the head of the Mother of God, Peter next to the censer, Paul hugging the foot, and finally Andrei, emotionally gesticulating.

Already in those distant times, the Greek name Andrei was one of the most common in Rus', so personalized icons of the heavenly patron of sons were probably ordered for princely and boyar families. An example is the personalized Moscow icon “Archangel Michael and Apostle Andrew the First-Called” (third quarter of the 16th century) from the Museum of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

The image of St. Andrew was placed in the iconostasis of churches in the Deesis row. Among such surviving images, one should mention the icon of the letter of Andrei Rublev and his students in the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral of Vladimir (1408). In Rublev’s Deesis procession, the apostle is depicted together with John the Theologian, and is depicted without expression, but, on the contrary, in concentrated prayer and in high, blissful silence. Unfortunately, the icon was poorly preserved and is currently in the State Tretyakov Gallery.

Or the icon of Andrew, also from the Deesis rank (in half rotation) in the Trinity Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (1425–1427). And also an icon of the 15th century from the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, stored there, in the Kirillo-Belozersky Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve in the city of Kirillov, Vologda Region.

Particularly revered shrines associated with the name of the holy apostle are also preserved in the Orthodox Church of Greece, in the city of Patras, where part of his venerable head and his cross is located, and on Mount Athos. In 2016, a copy of the icon of St. Andrew the First-Called, revered by Orthodox believers, was brought to Russia from the city of Patras, with a particle of the relics of the holy apostle and the cross on which he was crucified. There are especially revered icons with particles of the saint’s relics in Russian churches.

July

2013

A monument to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called was solemnly unveiled in Kharkov.

Particularly revered images in Moscow

In Moscow, especially revered icons of the saint are:

In the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Bolshaya Ordynka in Moscow, address: st. B. Ordynka, 20, nearest metro station Tretyakovskaya. Here is the revered image of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called with a piece of his relics.
In the church of St. Vmch. Nikita behind the Yauza (Athos Compound); address: st. Goncharnaya 6, nearest metro station Taganskaya. On the territory of the courtyard there is also a church of St. ap. Andrew the First-Called in the clergy house (Goncharnaya St., 4). The courtyard houses especially revered icons with particles of the relics of St. ap. Andrew the First-Called, as well as St. St. Silouan of Athos, St. Vmch. Panteleimon.

In the church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi, address: st. B. Ordynka, 27a/8, nearest metro station. Tretyakovskaya, Novokuznetskaya. The temple contains a particle of the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called.
In the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called at the Vagankovsky cemetery, at the address: st. Sergeya Makeev, 15, metro station “Ulitsa 1905 Goda”, there is a revered icon of St. Andrew.
In the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhov. Address: st. Elokhovskaya, 15, Baumanskaya metro station. In the temple under the Crucifixion of the 19th century, there is a metal shrine with a particle of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, the right hand of St. Andrew the First-Called, head of St. John Chrysostom, particles of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Metropolitan. St. Petra. Since 1731, the church has housed the especially revered image of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”
In the Cathedral Church of Christ the Savior. Address: st. Volkhonka, 15, Kropotkinskaya metro station. Here, among the many shrines, there is an icon and relics (particle) of St. Andrew the First-Called.

Prayer to Andrew the First-Called for a good groom

It is difficult to meet a young girl who would not dream of marrying a modern prince. At the same time, meeting a worthy contender for your heart is not so easy, but you can increase your chances, which is what the prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called is intended for. She has enormous energy, since the messenger of God is considered the patron saint of young girls who dream of marriage. This prayer service will have the greatest power if it is said on December 13, the day of remembrance of the saint. The prayer to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called can be said both in church and at home.

Orthodox shrine - St. Andrew's Cross

Ancient written sources and, in particular, the text of Hippolytus of Rome, dated to the 2nd century, directly say that the apostle was crucified in the city of Patras. After the death of the saint, the cross on which he died was placed in a majestic ark, repeating the same X-shaped configuration. To this day, fragments of this shrine are kept in a special icon case at the largest Orthodox Greek cathedral in Patras.

According to church tradition, St. Andrew's Cross was made from an olive tree that once grew in Achaia. After it was discovered in Massalia, scientists conducted a number of scientific studies. They found out that the cross actually dates back to the time period when the Apostle Andrew was executed.

Andrew the First-Called - prayer for work

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.

Return of the shrine to Patras

In 1980, priest Panagiotis Simigiatos visited the place where part of the Cross of the Apostle Andrew had remained for a long time. He decided to return it to the city of Patras, from where the shrine was once taken. The local Metropolitan Nikodim, joining forces with the Roman Catholic Church, achieved the return of the shrine to its historical homeland.

In mid-January 1980, in Patras she was greeted with great honor by thousands of people, led by the clergy and representatives of the city authorities.

Prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for health

Health is the most valuable thing for a person and often illnesses lead to a person turning to Higher powers. A prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for health will help you cope with the disease faster, but you can also say it as a preventive measure. Church ministers assure that by praying you can heal the soul and, as a result, gain and strengthen health.

It is recommended to find time to go to the temple and place three candles near the image of Jesus and his main disciple, the Great Martyr and Panteleimon. When leaving, take consecrated water and buy nine church candles. The previously listed icons should also be present at home. After sunset, retire, light candles, place images and a container of water near them.

Meaning of the icon

The face of St. Andrew the First-Called can be found in almost any Orthodox church. On icons he is usually depicted near the Cross. Most often, with one hand he blesses all believers, and in the other he holds a scroll. Sometimes it can be depicted in a different way. On some icons, the holy apostle’s hands are folded across his chest, which speaks of his humility. When Jesus was dying, the apostle was nearby and saw all his torment, but, despite this, he decided to repeat the feat of his mentor, which was to convey the good news to people.

Prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called for healing

You are allowed to pray not only in case of your own illness, since you can also pray for a loved one who has health problems. The prayer to the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called can be said in church in front of the appropriate ceremony or at home. Place the image near the sick person and periodically wash it with holy water. In the temple it is recommended to light a candle for the health of a loved one.

Patron of sailors and fishermen

An ancient legend says that the apostle resurrected drowned people. People sailed to Patras, where he preached, in order to hear blessed speeches and heed the Word of God. But a strong storm broke out at sea and all the pilgrims drowned. Their bodies were carried by sea waves to the shore, where, by the Will of God, the saint was at that moment.

Andrew the First-Called

Having prayed over the mortal bodies, he brought them back to life. Thanks to this act, Saint Andrew is revered as the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.

The flag of the Russian flotilla is decorated with the St. Andrew's Cross. It is found on the mast of every Russian ship and before setting sail it is sprinkled with holy water and a prayer service is served.

About the saints equal to the apostles in Orthodoxy:

Relics of Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga
Life of Equal-to-the-Apostles Cosmas of Aetolia
Relics of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir

And the holy apostle from heaven protects people from misfortunes and troubles.

The icon with his face must be kept in the captain’s cabin, so that in case of danger, one can raise prayers for help and, by the Will of God, calm the sea elements.

Important! Fishermen going out to sea must recite a prayer to the holy elder so that the waves will be merciful to them and the catch will be generous.

Prayer to St. Andrew the First-Called - how does prayer to the saint help?