Andrew the Fool-for-Christ

Venerable Andrew the Fool-for-Christ of Constantinople, who beheld the Protection of the Theotokos.

Andrew was a Scythian slave in Constantinople in the tenth century who, called by a vision, took up the life of folly for Christ, living in the streets in rags and enduring mockery while secretly praying through the night. He was granted many visions and the gift of insight.

With his disciple Epiphanios he saw the Theotokos spreading her veil over the people in the church at Blachernae, the vision commemorated at the feast of the Protection.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Andrew the Fool-for-Christ is commemorated on May 28. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on June 10 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on May 28

• Helladios

  Hierarch, Ελλάδιος

  Bishop Helladios of Tarsus.

  Name days: Helladios, Elladios

• Eutyches of Melitene

  Hierarch, Ευτυχής Μελιτηνής

  Hieromartyr Eutyches, Bishop of Melitene, co-worker of the Apostles.

  Name days: Eftychis, Eutyches

• Heliconis of Thessalonica

  Holy Woman, Ελικωνίδα

  Holy Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica, beheaded at Corinth.

  Name days: Elikonida, Heliconis

• Niketas of Chalcedon

  Hierarch, Νικήτας Χαλκηδόνος

  Saint Niketas the Confessor, Archbishop of Chalcedon, who suffered for the holy icons.

• Kreskes, Paul and Dioskorides

  Martyr, Κρήσκης, Παύλος και Διοσκορίδης

  Holy Martyrs Kreskes, Paul and Dioskorides of Rome, burned for their faith.

• Mitros of Tripolis

  Martyr, Μήτρος ο Νεομάρτυς

  New Martyr Mitros (Demetrios) of Tripolis in the Peloponnese.