On December 13, 2024, a major holiday is celebrated – the commemoration of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. This apostle is especially revered in Russia. Back in 1699, Tsar Peter I established Russia's first and highest award in honor of the apostle – the Imperial Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Since 1998, the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called has been the highest award of the Russian Federation. The saint's feast day is popularly called Autumn Andrew or Andrew's Day. As told in the Gospel of John, Andrew was the first to be called by Jesus and became His first disciple, earning him the nickname "the First-Called." He was born in Galilee, in the city of Bethsaida, into a fisherman's family. From an early age, Andrew understood that he wanted to dedicate his life to the Lord, so he renounced family life and remained chaste. Upon hearing John the Baptist's sermon at the Jordan River about the coming of the Messiah, Andrew left everything and followed John, becoming his disciple. Later, he met Jesus and from that time followed Him until the end of His earthly life. Another apostle was Andrew's brother, Simon, who later became the Apostle Peter. After Jesus' death, Andrew witnessed His Resurrection and Ascension. On Pentecost, he, like the other apostles, received the gift of healing and the ability to preach in different languages. Andrew preached in many lands. It is believed that he crossed the Bosphorus and traveled as far as the places where Kiev and Novgorod were later built. Andrew died at the hands of pagans. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross. What Can Be Done on December 13, 2024? — It is customary to pray for sailors and fishermen. — It is traditional to prepare a rich meal with hearty dishes, but they must be lenten. What Cannot Be Done on December 13, 2024? — No hard labor is allowed. — Sewing, embroidering, and knitting are prohibited. — Do not leave your home. — Do not invite guests into your home.