Icon with the Holy Apostle Andrew – embroidered, framed, 15x18cm
Saint Andrew, one of the twelve Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, is known as the first-called.
He was one of the closest and most devoted apostles of Jesus Christ, following Him until the moment of the Ascension and spreading His teachings in regions such as Greece, Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. Saint Andrew is considered one of the main promoters of the faith in the territory of Romania.
According to popular tradition, the Holy Apostle Andrew lived and preached in a cave located less than 2 kilometers from the "Mihai Eminescu Fountain" and about 4 kilometers from the Constanța - Ostrov road, which is now classified as a historical monument.
The Gospel of John relates that Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist, who directed him to follow Jesus, which is why he is called "the first-called." According to the same gospel text, Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, telling him that he had found the Messiah (John 1:35-42).
The Holy Apostle Andrew was martyred for his faith on a cross in the shape of an X, as he considered himself unworthy to be crucified on the same form of cross as the Savior Jesus. His martyrdom took place in the city of Patras in Greece, and his relics were spread in various holy places.
In the Orthodox Church, his feast day is on November 30th.
