Andrew

Saint Andrew, originally from Bethsaida in Galilee, was a fisherman, like his brother Simon Peter. He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist before being the first to be called by Jesus Christ to follow him, hence his title « Protokletos » (the First-Called). He accompanied Jesus throughout his public ministry and witnessed many miracles. After Pentecost, tradition places him evangelizing in Scythia (regions around the Black Sea), Thrace, Macedonia, and Achaea. It was in Patras, Achaea (Greece), that he suffered martyrdom, under Emperor Nero. He is said to have requested to be crucified on an X-shaped cross, deeming himself unworthy to die on a cross identical to Jesus'. This cross, known as Saint Andrew's Cross, has become his primary attribute. He is considered the founder of several Churches, notably those of Byzantium (Constantinople) and Kyiv.