St. Andrew's Day honors St. Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia and other countries. It is a day of religious observance and cultural celebration, especially in Scotland, where it is a national holiday.

Table of Contents

1. When is St. Andrew's Day?
2. The History of St. Andrew's Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about St. Andrew

When is St. Andrew's Day?

St. Andrew's Day is celebrated annually on November 30. The exact date of his death is not historically documented, but the early Church established November 30 as the day to honor his martyrdom.

The following is the list of St. Andrew's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Andrew's Day

The feast day of St. Andrew has been observed in the Eastern Church since the 4th century, emphasizing his importance as the founder of the church in Constantinople (now Istanbul). The Western Church adopted the feast during the medieval period, making November 30 a significant date in the Christian calendar. The first season of the Christian calendar is Advent, and it begins the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew Day (November 30).

According to legend, the relics of St. Andrew were brought to St. Andrews, Scotland in the 8th century, linking the country to the saint. St. Andrew became Scotland's patron saint by the 10th century, symbolizing the country's Christian heritage.

By the 14th century, St. Andrew's Day was firmly established as a religious and cultural event in Scotland. The saltire cross, associated with Andrew's martyrdom, became a prominent symbol in Scotland, appearing on the country's national flag.

St. Andrew's status as Scotland's patron saint was solidified in the Declaration of Arbroath (1320), which referenced him to emphasize Scotland's independence and divine favor.

St. Andrew's Day became an official national holiday in Scotland in 2006, recognized as a celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and faith. It also serves as the start of Scotland's Winter Festival season, which includes Christmas and New Year.

Other than Scotland, St. Andrew is also the patron saint in many other places such as Patras in Greek, Russia, and other nations.

What Do People Do on This Day?

St. Andrew's Day is marked by a variety of religious and social activities across the globe. Activities range from solemn religious observances to lively cultural celebrations.

Churches hold special services honoring St. Andrew's role as a disciple and his martyrdom on an X-shaped cross, and readings often focus on his call to discipleship.

Christians may vist sites where St. Andrew's relics are housed, such as St. Andrews Cathedral in Scotland, Patras in Greece, and Amalfi in Italy. At the same time, the various cultural and social celebrations are observed around the world. For example:

In Scotland, St. Andrew's Day is an official national holiday in Scotland, and it is celebrated with pride and enthusiasm. Many towns host processions, torchlight parades, and storytelling events celebrating Scotland's history and culture.

In Greece, the city of Patras, where St. Andrew was martyred, holds grand processions and liturgies. The Cathedral of St. Andrew, one of the largest Orthodox churches, is a focal point of celebrations.

In Russia, St. Andrew is venerated as the patron saint of Russia and its navy, and Orthodox Christians attend services and pray for the country's well-being.

In Amalfi, Italy, where some of St. Andrew's relics are kept, the day includes religious processions, fireworks and festive meals.

More about St. Andrew

St. Andrew, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, is a revered figure in Christian tradition. Known as the "First-Called" due to his early discipleship, St. Andrew is celebrated for his role in spreading Christianity and his association with various nations, particularly Scotland, Greece and Russia.

St. Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. He worked as a fisherman alongside his brother Simon Peter.

Andrew was initially a follower of John the Baptist, who pointed him toward Jesus as the Messiah. Andrew immediately recognized Jesus as the Christ and became his first disciple. He brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus, playing a key role in Peter's eventual apostleship.

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, Andrew became a missionary, traveling to Asia Minor, Greece, Scythia (Ukraine and Russia) and beyond. He preached the Gospel in regions less reached by other apostles, earning him the title "Apostle to the Greeks".

According to tradition, St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. He requested this form of crucifixion, feeling unworthy to die on a cross like Jesus. The saltire cross became his symbol.

St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Romania, Fishermen and Sailors. As one of the apostles, St. Andrew played a pivotal role in establishing Christianity in the ancient world. His missionary work influenced the development of Christian communities in Greece, Eastern Europe and beyond.