Christian Men and Women

Saint Andrew

Andrew was one of Jesus’, 12 Apostles and was the brother of one of the other Apostles, Peter. Like his brother Peter, Andrew was a very good fisherman before he became an Apostle. Andrew along with Peter, James and John formed the inner circle of Jesus’ 12 Apostles.

Not a great deal is known about the early life of Andrew but he is mentioned in the Bible as taking part in the ‘Feeding of the Five Thousand’. When Jesus ascended to heaven Andrew preached the Gospel until he was martyred (martyred means killed for your religious beliefs) and crucified on a cross. He travelled great distances and some believe that he travelled as far as Scotland. This is one of the reasons why he is the patron Saint of Scotland.

When Andrew was being killed he believed himself unworthy to be crucified on a cross like that of Jesus and so he was killed on a ‘saltire’, or X-shaped cross (St Andrew’s cross) which became his symbol. His cross, in white on a blue background, remains the proud symbol of Scotland today and forms a central part of the Flag of the Union of Great Britain.
Some of the virtues that Andrew displayed throughout his life were Restraint (Temperance), Courage (Fortitude), Faith and Hope.