Andrew Stratelates
Andrew Stratelates was a 3rd-century Roman soldier, a military commander of Syrian origin, who is commemorated as a martyr along with his 2,593 soldiers. He is remembered for leading Roman forces to victory against a Persian invasion and for his subsequent martyrdom after converting to Christianity and being persecuted.
- Feast Day
- August 19
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›He was a Syrian by birth and a military commander in the Roman army.
- ›He served during the reign of Emperor Maximian.
- ›He was given the title 'Stratelates' which means 'Commander'.
- ›He led Roman troops to victory against a large Persian army.
- ›He and 2,593 soldiers were martyred in a gorge in the Taurus mountains.
- ›He is commemorated by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church on August 19.
Andrew the Tribune, Andrew the Commander, Ἀνδρέας ὁ Στρατηλάτης
About Andrew Stratelates
Andrew Stratelates, also known as Andrew the Tribune or Andrew the Commander, was a 3rd-century Roman soldier of Syrian origin. He served as a military commander during the reign of Emperor Maximian (284–305). His life and martyrdom are commemorated by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Life and Military Service
Little is known about Andrew's early life, but he rose to a significant military position within the Roman army. When a large Persian army invaded Syrian territories, the governor Antiochus appointed Andrew with the title "Stratelates," meaning "Commander," to lead the Roman forces. Invoking Christ, Andrew, with a detachment that included pagan soldiers, engaged the Persian army and achieved a total victory, returning to Antioch triumphantly.
Trial, Conversion, and Martyrdom
Following his victory, Andrew was denounced to Governor Antiochus by some individuals who accused him of being a Christian and converting his soldiers. He was summoned for trial and subjected to torture. Some of his soldiers were crucified, while others were imprisoned. Emperor Maximian, fearing a rebellion due to Andrew's popularity, freed the imprisoned soldiers but secretly ordered their execution under different pretexts. Andrew, along with his faithful soldiers, sought baptism from Bishop Peter and Bishop Nonos of Beroea in Tarsus. However, due to local persecutions in Cilicia, they fled towards Mount Taurus. In a deep gorge within these mountains, they were ambushed by the Roman army and Andrew, along with all 2,593 soldiers accompanying him, were slaughtered, marking their martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andrew Stratelates?
Andrew Stratelates was a 3rd-century Roman soldier of Syrian origin who served as a military commander. He is venerated as a martyr along with his 2,593 soldiers.
Why is Andrew Stratelates commemorated?
He is commemorated for leading Roman forces to a victory against a Persian invasion and for his subsequent martyrdom. He and his soldiers were killed after converting to Christianity and facing persecution.
When is the feast day of Andrew Stratelates?
Andrew Stratelates and his soldiers are commemorated on August 19.
What was Andrew Stratelates' role in the Roman army?
He was a military commander, holding the title 'Stratelates', which means 'Commander'. He was entrusted with commanding the Roman army against a Persian invasion.
How did Andrew Stratelates and his soldiers die?
After converting to Christianity and fleeing persecution, they were ambushed in a deep gorge inside the Taurus mountains and slaughtered by the Roman army.
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