Saint Andrew served in the army of the Roman emperor Maximian. When the Persians moved against Syria, he was appointed commander-in-chief. He then gathered around him many brave and capable soldiers, who set out with great courage.
While all of them were pagans, he openly confessed his faith in Christ. He encouraged them and assured that they would receive God’s help. He preached faith in the Lord and persuaded them to abandon the idols. The soldiers listened to him, and with the name of Jesus Christ on their lips, they succeeded in defeating the Persians.
However, Maximian, who governed the eastern part of the Roman Empire, initiated a great persecution against Christians. The governor Antiochus, a fervent defender of the idols, received the order to subject Christians to terrible tortures. At that time, the other generals, who envied the saint for his courage and his victories in war, denounced him. Thus, he was called to trial.
Saint Andrew did not hesitate, despite the threats and tortures, to confess his faith. His soldiers were likewise threatened. However, none of them denied the Lord. As a result they were condemned.
Antiochus, not daring to execute Saint Andrew and his army, set them free. Nevertheless, he devised a plan to trap them, thus avoiding a mass execution.
Meanwhile, they traveled to Tarsus, where they were baptized by Bishop Peter.
Enraged, Antiochus sent his most trusted officers to put all Christian soldiers to death.
Saint Andrew, recognizing the danger they faced, prepared his brethren for their martyrdom. He prayed to the Lord to give them strength and to forgive their sins.
The soldiers accepted martyrdom with joy, hoping for the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, when they had given up their spirit, a cool spring of water miraculously flowed from the ground.
The commemoration of Saint Andrew, together with the two thousand five hundred and ninety-three (2,593) martyrs, is honored by the Church on August 19.
