Feast Day: July 4th
The Life of Saint Andrew of Crete: His masterpiece, the Great Canon… is written primarily in the first person, and goes chronologically through the entire Old and New Testaments drawing examples (both negative and positive) which it correlates to the need of the sinful Soul for repentance and a humble return to God…
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Prayers
Apolytikion: Like the Prophet David, you sang a new song, in the assembly of the righteous. As an initiate of the Holy Spirit, you thundered forth your Hymns of Grace, and the word of righteousness for our Salvation, O Andrew, glory of the Fathers.
Kontakion: You sounded forth Divine melodies like a trumpet, and were a bright lamp for the world. You shone with the light of the Trinity, O Venerable Andrew. Therefore we cry to you: Ever intercede for us all.
Saint Andrew had a deep love for God and when he was 15 years old he begged his parents to dedicate him to God, which they did. Saint Andrew went to Jerusalem and served as a Reader and Monk at the Patriarchate.
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“My Soul, my Soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.”
Saint Andrew wrote many Canons of which we Chant during Matins. One of his most beautiful Prayers is The Great Canon which contains Hymns of great Spiritual Grace speaking of events from the Old and New Testaments, and indicates the way we may become Sanctified. The Great Canon is chanted in the Church two times a year during Holy and Great Lent.
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Saint Andrew’s desire was to live in solitude in a Monastery, however he was entrusted to take care of an orphanage and hospice for the elderly. He sacrificially ministered to his flock, and cared greatly for everyone with love.
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Saint Andrew was greatly loved by the people and became Metropolitan of Gortyna in Crete.
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Icons
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Saint Andrew of Crete and Saint Mary of Egypt
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Saint Andrew of Crete and Saint Gregory Palamas
