Andrew of Constantinople
Encyclopedia
Andrew of Constantinople (Andrew the Fool-for-Christ, Andrew, the Fool or Andrew, Fool-for-Christ-sake, Greek Andreas ho Salos), (died in 936) is considered a saint
by the Eastern Orthodox Church
, and is revered as a Fool for Christ.
Andrew, a Slav by birth, was a slave of Theognostus, who was serving as a bodyguard in Constantinople
. Later, he decided to become a Fool for Christ, living out his goal with humility and patience.
According to certain sources, Andrew had a vision of Most Holy Theotokos
in the Blachernae church
of Constantinople, while the city was surrounded by enemy troops (by some sources, Arabs).
Andrew and his disciple Epiphanus testifed that they saw the Holy Virgin
surrounded by many angels and Saints, praying and extending Her homophor (protection) over the faithful. After this vision, Constantinople was saved when its attackers retreated. That vision and the avoidance of Constantinople's destruction that was attributed to it inspired the creation of one of the most famous Eastern Orthodox holidays: the feast of the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Andrew died at the age of 66 in 936. His memory is commemorated by Eastern Orthodox
communities on October 15 (Oct. 2 old calendar).
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
by the Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
, and is revered as a Fool for Christ.
Andrew, a Slav by birth, was a slave of Theognostus, who was serving as a bodyguard in Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
. Later, he decided to become a Fool for Christ, living out his goal with humility and patience.
According to certain sources, Andrew had a vision of Most Holy Theotokos
Theotokos
Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...
in the Blachernae church
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul)
Saint Mary of Blachernae is an Eastern Orthodox church in Istanbul...
of Constantinople, while the city was surrounded by enemy troops (by some sources, Arabs).
Andrew and his disciple Epiphanus testifed that they saw the Holy Virgin
Holy Virgin
"Holy Virgin" is the first single from the album 21st Century by German trance group Groove Coverage. It's based on the song Fata Morgana by EAV.-Remix list:#"Holy Virgin" – 3:50#"Holy Virgin" – 3:28...
surrounded by many angels and Saints, praying and extending Her homophor (protection) over the faithful. After this vision, Constantinople was saved when its attackers retreated. That vision and the avoidance of Constantinople's destruction that was attributed to it inspired the creation of one of the most famous Eastern Orthodox holidays: the feast of the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Andrew died at the age of 66 in 936. His memory is commemorated by Eastern Orthodox
Orthodox Christianity
The term Orthodox Christianity may refer to:* the Eastern Orthodox Church and its various geographical subdivisions...
communities on October 15 (Oct. 2 old calendar).