On December 13, Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate the Day of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which is popularly called Andrew's Day. The Apostle was considered the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, he was prayed for protection.

history of the holiday.

Brothers Andrew and Simon grew up on the shores of the Sea of \u200b\u200bGallilee in a fisherman's family and continued their father's work. Andrew was looking for a way to God, did not marry and led a chaste lifestyle.

Hearing the prophecy of John the Baptist, Andrew converted to Christianity and became his disciple. He met Jesus when he was baptized in the Jordan River. Having witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Savior, Andrew believed and followed him. After that, he brought his brother to Christ, whom he called Peter, and Andrew - the first-called.

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50 days after the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they received the gift to heal people from diseases and preach in different languages. The apostles cast lots and chose the direction of the further journey.

Andrew went to the lands that lay by the Black Sea.

Climbing up the Dnieper, he predicted the foundation of Kiev at this place, blessed the hills and erected a cross on one of them..

Andrew died in the village of Patras, ruled by the pagan Egiat. He ordered to crucify Andrew for his service to Christ and preaching. The apostle asked that the cross, on which he would accept his death, be of a different shape than the one on which Jesus was crucified, since he believed that he was not worthy to be crucified on such.