by Jilene Scherenske
Andrew’s Later Life
Three countries (Russia, Scotland and Greece) claim Andrew as their patron saint, whatever that means. Does it mean that he traveled to all three with the gospel? Tradition states that he died in Greece. The local governor had him put to death on a cross because he was so enraged that his wife and brother had become Christians. Andrew felt unworthy to die as Christ did, so he requested that the cross be X shaped. It is recorded that when he knew he was to be crucified he stated: “Oh, cross most welcome and longed for! With a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to you, being a scholar of Him which did hang on you, because I have always been your lover and yearn to embrace you.” It took 3 days for him to die on that cross and all the while he was conscious it is said that he kept on urging people to accept Christ as their Savior.