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St Andrew of Crete Life and Canon (PDF)

From Heresy to Holiness: the Repentance of St. Andrew of Crete

ST. ANDREW OF CRETE

On 4 July (or 17 July according to the new calendar), the Church commemorates Saint Andrew, Bishop of Crete. He is celebrated for his pious life and significant contributions to church hymnography. Saint Andrew is credited with creating the canon, an intricate form of worship blending music, poetry, and theology. He composed canons for all Twelve Great Feasts, Holy Week, Easter, and numerous saints' commemorations, surpassing even John of Damascus in the sheer volume of hymns and melodies. But his most famous work is the Great Canon of Repentance of Saint Andrew of Crete, a powerful collection of songs that encourages believers to take a deep look into their souls and reconsider their lives.

The hymns to Saint Andrew of Crete sung at the church services today praise him as a dedicated shepherd, looking after his flock with wisdom and care. Saint Andrew of Crete’s icons portray him in two ways: the simpler Byzantine style shows him in basic robes with a scroll, symbolizing his knowledge and piety. Russian icons take a more elaborate approach, showing him in more ornamental robes decorated with crosses. Regardless of style, Andrew always has a serene face framed by a golden halo, and his right hand raised in a blessing gesture. This image captures both his strict devotion and his role as a respected spiritual leader.

Mute child to a church leader

Saint Andrew of Crete, born in Damascus around 650/660, experienced miraculous healing at age seven when he received Holy Communion, ending his muteness. This divine encounter ignited a sincere devotion and a profound respect for the Scriptures. At fourteen, he journeyed to Jerusalem, joining the Lavra of St. Savva the Sanctified as a monk.

Recognizing his potential, Theodore, the acting Patriarch, appointed Andrew as patriarchal Archdeacon. Known for his asceticism and doctrinal expertise, Andrew represented Jerusalem at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople (680-681), where he defended Orthodox teachings against heresy. His reputation grew, leading to his appointment as archdeacon at Hagia Sophia.

Under Emperor Justinian II, Andrew was ordained bishop of Gortyna, Crete. He emerged as a luminary of the Church—a theologian, teacher, and hymnographer. His journey from mute child to esteemed bishop underscored a life marked by faith and scholarly brilliance.

st andrew icon

A hand-painted icon of Saint Andrew of Crete painted in Saint Elisabeth Convent

From Orthodoxy to heresy: St. Andrew's dark hour

In 712, a significant event shaped Saint Andrew of Crete's legacy. A rogue council rejected the Sixth Ecumenical Council's decrees, challenging the Church's stance against the heresy of Monothelitism. Surprisingly, Andrew participated and endorsed these heretical rejections. The reasons behind his actions remain unclear, but he was not alone in this rebellion.

By 713, Andrew repented and was welcomed back into Orthodoxy. Between this tragedy of his earlier betrayal and his repose (he possibly died in 726), he had fewer than fourteen years to repent and reconcile his faith.

The power of Saint Andrew of Crete’s Great Canon

Saint Andrew’s apostasy made sin a practical reality for the saint. He felt the darkness of spiritual downfall, and shed genuine tears of repentance. Therefore, the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete’s text isn't a theoretical exploration; it's the heartfelt cry of a soul that has experienced both deep fall and divine mercy. Saint Andrew of Crete's Great Canon, comprising nine odes and 250 troparia, resonates deeply during Great Lent. It's read twice: in parts from Monday to Thursday of the first week and in full on the fifth Thursday during the Standing of Saint Mary of Egypt service.

Saint Andrew's Great Canon doesn't just tell us a story but makes us feel as if we are part of it. Its words are also meant to be our words. "I am the coin with the royal image which was lost of old,” reads the Canon. Through these words, the Church invites us to make Andrew's penitential journey our own, emphasizing the need for a forceful change of mind, heart, and soul. This journey is one of spiritual necessity, and also of urgency. He felt that the time to stir his soul back to life by repenting to God was limited – otherwise, hell awaited him:

“Brief is my lifetime and full of pain and wickedness, but accept me in penitence and call me to the awareness of Thee!”

the Great Canon

Saint Andrew of Crete’s enduring presence

Believers seek St. Andrew’s intercession for strength and fortitude in the transformative journey of their own repentance. His relics, notably his hand, are preserved in Crete's Church of Arkalochori. Yet, his presence is felt in every church dedicated to him, where his icon is prominently displayed, among saints and often alongside Mary of Egypt.

Turning to St. Andrew of Crete in prayer, the faithful implore, "Pray for us to the All-Merciful Christ our God, that on His Terrible Second Coming, He may deliver us from standing on His left side and make us partakers of the joy of the saints, forever and ever. Amen."

 

July 02, 2024
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