St Andrew is best known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and as the patron saint of Scotland, among several other countries. His traditional feast day is celebrated on 30 November each year.

Who St Andrew Was

• St Andrew was a Galilean fisherman from Bethsaida, in what is now northern Israel.

• He was the brother of Simon Peter (St Peter) and is often described as one of the first disciples called by Jesus.

• In Christian tradition he is remembered for bringing others, including his brother Peter, to follow Christ.

Life, Mission, and Death

• Tradition says Andrew preached the Christian message in regions around the Black Sea and in Greece, including Patras.

• He is believed to have been martyred in Patras, crucified on an X‑shaped cross because he did not consider himself worthy to die in the same way as Jesus.

• This X‑shaped “saltire” cross later became one of his main symbols.

Patronages and Symbols

• Andrew is the patron saint of countries and places including Scotland, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, and the city of Patras in Greece, among others.

• He is also regarded as the patron saint of fishermen and is associated with protection for sailors and travelers at sea.

• The white diagonal cross on the Scottish flag (the Saltire) represents St Andrew’s X‑shaped cross.

St Andrew and Scotland

• Andrew never historically visited Scotland; his link to the country comes from medieval legends about his relics being brought there, especially to the town now called St Andrews in Fife.

• Because his relics were believed to be in St Andrews, the town became a major medieval pilgrimage site and an important religious center in Scotland.

• St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is one of Scotland’s national days and is marked with cultural celebrations and church services.

Legacy and Feast Day

• St Andrew’s feast day on 30 November is observed in many Christian traditions around the world, especially in countries where he is patron.

• His life and martyrdom made him a key figure in Christian art and devotion, where he is usually shown with an X‑shaped cross and sometimes with fishing nets or a boat.