On November 30 of each year, the people of Scotland, and those of Scottish
heritage the world over, honor the patron saint of Scotland, many by attending church services, kirkin's, or
simply by flying the Saltire flag. But how much do you know about the Saint whose name our society
bears?
In the Bible, St. Andrew the Apostle, son of Jonah or John, was born in Bethsaida
on the Sea of Galilee. He was the older brother of Simon Peter, later to become
St. Peter. Both were fishermen, and lived in the same house at Capharnaum.
From the Gospel of John we learn that Andrew was a disciple of John the
Baptist. Upon meeting Jesus, Andrew at once recognized Him as the Messiah, and hastened to introduce
Him to his brother, Peter. They quickly became disciples of Christ.
Since both he and his brother Peter were fishermen by trade, the tradition that
Jesus called them to be His disciples by saying that He will make them "fishers of men" was born.
Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at Patras in Achaea, on an
X-shaped cross, now commonly known as "St. Andrew's Cross", at his own request, as he deemed himself unworthy
to be crucified on the same type of cross on which Christ was crucified.
About the middle of the tenth century, Andrew became the patron saint of
Scotland. Several legends state that the relics of Andrew were brought under supernatural guidance
from Constantinople to the place where the modern town of St. Andrews stands today. But it is clear
he was honored in Scotland earlier than that.
One legend says that in the late eighth century, during a joint battle with the
English, King Ungus saw a cloud shaped like a saltire, and declared Andrew was watching over them, and if they
won by his grace, then he would be their patron saint. But there is evidence Andrew was venerated in
Scotland even before that.
Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, but also Russia, Romania, Amalfi, and
Luqa - Malta. He was the patron saint of Prussia too. The flag of Scotland features a
saltire in commemoration of the shape of St Andrew's cross. (This information was taken from
Wikipedia.com)
