Andrew the Apostle is named, in the Orthodox tradition "Protokleitos," or first-called. Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He and another, unamed disciple followed Jesus on John's advice. Andrew was the first to recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He then told his brother, Simon Peter, about Jesus. The two brothers were fishermen in the Sea of Galilee, in the far north of Israel. Galileans, far from the center of religious power in Jerusalem, were considered rustics by more cultivated Jews of the day.
Andrew was said to have preached along the Black Sea, and as far north as Kiev and Novgorod. He is the patron saint of Ukraine, Romania, and Russia. He is also the traditional founder of the See (bishopric or diocese) of Byzantium (Constantinople). He is the patron saint of the Patriarchate of Constantinople (Istanbul). The Patriarch of Constantinople is considered first in importance of all Eastern Orthodox bishops.
Andrew is said to have preached in Thrace, which is a geographic area including parts of Greece, Bulgaria, and western Turkey. He then preached in Patras, Greece, where tradition says he was martyred.
Tradition says that Andrew had been bound to an X-shaped cross with ropes, and for two days preached to the crowds. So many got converted that they demanded his release. When the Roman proconsul ordered him cut loose, the soldiers were struck by paralysis, allowing Andrew to die a martyr's death as he had wished.
The X-shaped cross is known as the St. Andrew's cross, and is the chief design element of the flag of Scotland.
His relics are kept at the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Patras. The original cross of Saint Andrew can be found there as well. They are preserved in a shrine at the church and are venerated every November 30, Andrew's feast day, which is also a national holiday in Scotland.
