Relics of St. Andrew the Apostle (Patras)

The relics attributed to St. Andrew are primarily venerated in the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Patras, Greece. The relics include part of his skull and pieces associated with the cross of his martyrdom. The massive cathedral was built specifically to house these sacred items.

According to tradition, Andrew was crucified at Patras in Greece on an X-shaped cross, now commonly known as St. Andrew's Cross. He is said to have requested this specific shape because he felt unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus. He reportedly preached to his executioners for two days from the cross.

Many of the saint's relics were historically moved to various locations in Europe, including Scotland and the Vatican. However, the Vatican returned part of his skull to Patras in 1964 as a gesture of goodwill to the local church. This significantly boosted pilgrimage to the Greek city.

Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter. He is highly venerated in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and is considered the founder of the Church of Byzantium. He is also the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland and Russia.