Orthodox Icon of St. Andrew of Crete

St. Andrew of Crete

July 4th
Troparion (Tone 5)
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.

St. Andrew was born into a pious Christian family from Damascus. He was mute until the age of seven when he partook of Holy Communion. At age fourteen, the saint went to the monastery of St. Sava the Sanctified where he was tonsured as a monk. He lived a strict ascetic life. He was known for his virtue and grasp of theology. St. Andrew became an archdeacon and secretary for the Jerusalem Patriarchate. In 620, he was sent to the Sixth Ecumenical Council. The saint was a pillar of strength for the True Faith using his profound knowledge of Orthodox doctrine to defend against confusion. During the reign of Justinian II, St. Andrew was ordained bishop of Gortineia on the island of Crete. There he served as a teacher, hymnographer, and theologian. He is accredited with many hymns, including the Great Penitential Canon which is sung during Lent. St. Andrew reposed in the year 712 or 726 on the island of Mytilene.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas. This icon is at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, PA.

Order #sgp-20