Andrew of Crete
Andrew of Crete was an 8th-century bishop, theologian, homilist, and hymnographer, venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches. He is primarily known today as a hymnographer, credited with the introduction of the canon into the liturgy, and his masterpiece is the Great Canon of Repentance.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Damascus around 650 to Christian parents.
- ›Became a mute until age seven, miraculously cured after receiving Holy Communion.
- ›Served as Archdeacon in Jerusalem and later at Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
- ›Appointed Metropolitan see of Gortyna in Crete.
- ›Credited with the invention or introduction of the canon into liturgical hymnody.
- ›His most famous work is the Great Canon (Canon of Repentance), the longest canon ever composed.
Great Canon, Canons For the Resurrection of Lazarus, Canon For the Conception of St. Anne, Canon For the Maccabean Martyrs, Canon For St. Ignatius of Antioch
- Introduction of the Canon As A New Form of Hymnody Into the Liturgy.
- Expansion of Scriptural Canticle Refrains Into Poetic Odes That Expound Themes of Feasts and Saints.
Saint, Bishop, Theologian, Homilist, Hymnographer, Archdeacon
8th Century
Damascus, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Crete, Lesbos
Byzantine
Monothelitism
Sixth Ecumenical Council
Bishop, Theologian, Homilist, Hymnographer
About Andrew of Crete
Andrew of Crete (c. 650 – July 4, 712 or 726 or 740), also known as Andrew of Jerusalem, was a prominent 8th-century bishop, theologian, homilist, and hymnographer. He is recognized as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Life and historical context
Born in Damascus to Christian parents, Andrew was mute until the age of seven, after which he experienced a miraculous cure following Holy Communion. He commenced his ecclesiastical career at fourteen at the Lavra of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, near Jerusalem. His superiors recognized his talents, leading Theodore, the locum tenens of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, to appoint him as his Archdeacon. Andrew was sent as a representative to the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681) in Constantinople, convened to address the heresy of Monothelitism.
Following the council, he was appointed Archdeacon at the Great Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. He was eventually elevated to the metropolitan see of Gortyna in Crete. While initially an opponent of Monothelitism, he participated in a conciliabulum in 712 that rescinded the decrees of the Ecumenical Council. He later repented and returned to orthodoxy, dedicating himself to preaching and composing hymns. His homilies were noted for their dignified and harmonious style, establishing him as a leading ecclesiastical orator of the Byzantine Era.
Church historians lack consensus on the exact date of his death. He died on the island of Lesbos while returning to Crete from Constantinople. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople, and in the 14th century, they were seen at the Monastery of Saint Andrew of Crete. A large Early Christian basilical church in honor of Saint Andrew exists at modern Skala Eresou on Lesbos.
Major contributions
Andrew of Crete is primarily celebrated today for his contributions to hymnography. He is credited with the significant innovation or introduction of the "canon" into the liturgy. This new form of hymnody expanded upon the short refrains previously used in the Matins service between biblical canticles. Each Ode of the canon begins with an "Irmos" based on the theme of the scriptural canticle but then develops the theme of the specific feast day being celebrated.
His masterpiece is the "Great Canon" (also known as the Canon of Repentance), which stands as the longest canon ever composed, featuring 250 strophes. Written largely in the first person, it chronologically traces biblical history from the Old and New Testaments, drawing examples to illustrate the soul's need for repentance and return to God. The Great Canon is divided into four parts, chanted over the first four nights of Great Lent, and in its entirety at Matins on the Thursday of the fifth week of Great Lent.
While twenty-four canons are attributed to Saint Andrew of Crete, scholars are more certain about his authorship of fourteen, including canons for the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Conception of St. Anne, the Maccabean Martyrs, and St. Ignatius of Antioch, along with several Triodia and numerous irmoi.
Legacy
Andrew of Crete's liturgical hymns, particularly the Great Canon, have had a lasting impact on the devotional practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church. His role as a prominent orator and his theological insights, especially concerning repentance, continue to be studied and revered.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Andrew of Crete born and when did he die?
Andrew of Crete was born around 650 AD. The exact date of his death is not agreed upon by church historians, but it is recorded as July 4, with possible years including 712, 726, or 740.
Where was Andrew of Crete born and where did he serve?
He was born in Damascus, which is in modern-day Syria. He began his ecclesiastical career near Jerusalem and later served in Constantinople and as the metropolitan bishop of Gortyna in Crete.
What is Andrew of Crete best known for today?
Today, Andrew of Crete is primarily known as a hymnographer. He is credited with the invention or introduction of the 'canon' into liturgical services.
What is Andrew of Crete's most famous work?
His most famous work is the Great Canon, also known as the Canon of Repentance. It is the longest canon ever composed and is chanted during Great Lent.
Did Andrew of Crete participate in any major church councils?
Yes, Andrew of Crete was sent as a representative to the Sixth Ecumenical Council (680–681) in Constantinople. He also attended a conciliabulum in 712 which abolished the decrees of that council, though he later repented.
Related Church Fathers
John of Damascus
John of Damascus, also known as John Damascene, was a Christian monk, priest, hymnographer, and apologist active in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. He is renowned as a key figure in Eastern Orthodox theology and for his defense of icons, earning him the title 'Doctor of the Assumption' in the Catholic Church. His theological works, particularly 'The Fountain of Knowledge,' synthesized patristic thought and significantly influenced both Eastern and Western medieval theology.
Romanus the Melodist
Romanos the Melodist was a central early figure in Byzantine music, renowned as the foremost composer of kontakia during the sixth century. His hymns, characterized by vivid imagery and profound theology, significantly influenced Eastern Orthodox hymnography and earned him the title "the Pindar of rhythmic poetry." He is celebrated as a saint and the patron saint of music in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Anastasius of Sinai
Anastasius of Sinai was a Greek writer, priest, and abbot of Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai, active after 700 AD. He is known for his theological writings, particularly his defense of the Chalcedonian Creed and his exegesis of Genesis. His works offer insights into Christian dogma, ritual, lifestyle, and the historical context of the expansion of Islam.