Today is the memorial of St. Andrew, apostle and martyr. St.
Andrew, son of Jonah, was born at Bethsaida in Galilee. He was a
disciple of John the Baptist and became one of the first to
follow Jesus, to whom he brought his brother, Simon Peter. Both
were fishermen and at the beginning of Our Lord's public life
occupied the same house at Capharnaum. As one of the twelve
apostles, Andrew was very close to Our Lord during His public
life; he was present at the Last Supper; beheld the risen Lord;
witnessed the Ascension; shared in the graces and gifts of the
first Pentecost, and helped, amid threats and persecution, to
establish the Faith in Palestine. He was crucified by order of
the Roman Governor at Patras in southern Greece on a cross which
was in the form of an "X". This type of cross has long been
known as "St. Andrew's cross." He was martyred during the reign
of Nero, on November 30, 60 A.D. St. Andrew's relics were
transferred from Patras to Constantinople, and deposited in the
church of the Apostles ther