Gold foil printed icon of Saint Andrew the Apostle on Hagiography wood.

Dimensions: 26x21cm.

Saint Andrew the First-Called was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. His origin was from Bethsaida of Galilee. He was a fisherman by profession and a student of John the Baptist, as was his brother the Apostle Peter. After the arrest of the Baptist, the two brothers followed Christ and became His disciples.

Saint Andrew preached Christianity in many areas. He founded a church in Byzantium and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is considered a continuation of it. In Achaia he managed to heal Maximilla, the wife of Aegeatos and as a result she believed in Christ. The Roman official Aegeatos was outraged as soon as he was informed of the incident and he ordered the arrest of Andrew and his crucifixion in the X shape.

The Holy Skull of the Saint and the relics of the Cross of his martyrdom are kept in the city of Patras of which he is the patron saint. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates him on November 30 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Andrew the Apostle the First-Called

Fourth Tone

As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy.