(CNA) Today Christians worldwide celebrate the ‘Feast of St Andrew’ Apostle & Martyr of Jesus Christ–A fisherman from Bethsaida and brother of Simon Peter, St Andrew is said to have spread Christianity in Russia and Asia minor (present day Turkey) after Pentecost in the first century.
St Andrew was crucified by the Romans in Greece on an ‘X Shaped Cross’ which is now his distinctive symbol as well as the symbol of Scotland of which he is the Patron Saint.
St Andrew demonstrated his love for his brother as well as his apostolic zeal when, convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, he sought out St Peter:
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, he first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ –then he brought him to Jesus.” –John 1:40-42
Some of St Andrew’s remains were brought to Scotland in the 4th Century though parts of his skeletal remains lie in a crypt of the Cathedral in Amalfi, Italy where they are removed twice a year and produce a clear, water like substance. The substance called “manna” is said to have miraculous attributes.
More here from Franciscan Media and here from EWTN