A portrait of St. Andrew of Crete
St. Andrew of Crete
c. 650 – 740
Feast
July 4 · VIII c.
Patron of
Hymnographers · Bishops · Poets
Order
Bishop / Hymnographer
Archbishop of Crete in the early 8th century, monk of Mar Saba in the Holy Land, and one of the great Greek hymnographers; composer of the Great Canon, the longest penitential hymn in Byzantine liturgy. Feast July 4.
Life & Times
Born: c. 650 · Died: 740 · From: Syria / Crete.
Patronage
St. Andrew of Crete is invoked as the patron of hymnographers, bishops, poets. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.”— Great Canon of Repentance — recurring refrain.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Andrew of Crete, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.