Saint Andrew of Crete Feast Day Observed in Macedonia

Today the Orthodox community in North Macedonia marks the feast day of Saint Andrew, the archbishop of Crete. Articles note that Andrew was born in Damascus to Christian parents, remained mute until age seven, and later traveled to Jerusalem where he received monastic tonsure in the sanctuary of Saint Sava.

He is credited with aiding the Sixth Ecumenical Council in 681 AD against the monothelite heresy, serving as bishop of Crete, authoring the Great Canon of the Mother of God, and performing miracles such as expelling Saracens from the island. According to the hagiographies, he foretold his own death while returning from Constantinople and died near the island of Mithila in 712 AD.