The true story of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called: why is he called the Patron Saint of Russia

The Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the first disciple of Christ and the patron saint of Russia, remains a symbol of missionary work, spiritual service and continuity of the Orthodox tradition. His memory is celebrated annually on December 13, believers perform divine services and recite prayers for protection and blessing. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Andrey Pervozvanny: a biography

The Apostle Andrew the First-Called, Peter's brother, according to evangelical data and church tradition, was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He was engaged in fishing near the Sea of Galilee until he heard the call of Christ.: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

In the church tradition, Andrew bears the title "First―called" - that is, the first of the disciples who responded to the Lord. After the events of Pentecost and the beginning of his missionary preaching, he went to different lands to preach the gospel.

According to legend, the route of his mission ran through Asia Minor, Thrace, Macedonia, along the coast of the Black Sea, through the Crimea and further north along the Dnieper and Volkhov, involving the lands that later became part of Russia. The texts of the life tell us that Andrew stopped on the hills of Kiev, put up a cross there, blessed these places and predicted their future Christian significance.

In Sinope (modern Turkey), the saint was beaten, but continued to preach. According to the Life, the apostle was crucified around the year 60-62 in the city of Patras in Greece on an X-shaped cross at his own request, not wanting the same death as Christ.

The Apostolic Mission and its impact on Christianity in Russia

Tradition connects Andrew's apostolic mission with the land of Ancient Russia and the northeastern border regions of Christianity. In The Tale of Bygone Years, it is said that Andrei, traveling "to the extreme limits," arrived at the place where Kiev later appeared, and declared: "The grace of God will shine on these hills, and many churches will be erected."

According to research, the legend of the Apostle Andrew has penetrated into the church and national tradition as one of the symbols of the spiritual foundation of Russian Orthodox history.

On the territory of Russia, the veneration of Andrew as the "apostle of Russia" was of great importance, which formed the pantheon of its spiritual patrons. Legend also claims that he visited Novgorod and even Ladoga, which reinforced the symbolic presence of the apostolic tradition in the north of Russia.

At a later time, the highest state award of the Russian Empire, the Order of St. Andrew the First—Called, was established in Andrei's name, which emphasized his role as a state and church symbol.

Meaning for believers and modern veneration

For Orthodox believers, the Apostle Andrew the First-Called remains an example of willingness to respond to the call of Christ, fearless mission and apostolic ministry. He is perceived as a patron and intercessor before God for Russia and the Orthodox Church.

In the liturgical tradition, his name is mentioned with special reverence, and on memorial day, liturgies are celebrated in churches, akathists and troparia are read.