PM Narendra Modi received the highest honor in Russia in the name of Saint Andrew Sriha, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Saint Andrew Punyalan is the main teacher of Christians and disciple of Christ called Saint Andrew in English. The Order of Saint Andrew is the highest honor in Russia. The Jewish meaning of the word Antrayos is one who is sworn and brave. Accepting this highest honor with humility, Narendra Modi announced that he is dedicating this honor to the 150 crore people of India. These are the words of PM Modi who received the highest honor in Russia.
Modi was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle. Narendra Modi is also the first Indian to receive such an honor in Russia. The award is in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s outstanding contribution to developing a special strategic partnership between Russia and India and fostering friendly relations between the two countries. This highest honor was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 in honor of Saint Andrew Punyalan, the first apostle of Jesus and the patron saint of Russia.
Normally in Russia it is awarded to the most outstanding military leader or person who excels in bravery. The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit. Narendra Modi was honored with the highest Russian honor for extraordinary services in promoting the special and special strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between Russia and India.
Russian President Putin stated that Narendra Modi has written and added pages of history between India and Russia and awarded Narendra Modi with the Apostle of St. Andrew for his extraordinary services. Prime Minister Modi said that the future of partnership is bright, highlighting the deep foundation of friendship between the countries.
Saint Andrew is an important saint for the Malayalees. Many churches are named after him. He is the first apostle called by Jesus. Hence he was referred to as Protacletos in the early church tradition meaning ‘first called’. Andrew was a holy Jew. Andrew was one of John the Baptist’s disciples. Before becoming a disciple of Jesus, he was a fisherman. Andrew was single. Ever since John the Baptist described Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Andrew wanted to follow Jesus. After staying with Jesus for a day, Andrew came to Peter and took him to Jesus.
Andrew is believed to have been with Jesus when he chose his first disciples, saying, Come, I will make you fishers of men. In the scene where Jesus feeds the hunger of five thousand people with five loaves, it is Andrew who informs Jesus that a boy in the crowd has bread. Also, Andrew was seen with Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana described in the Bible. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Andrew lived in Jerusalem with Peter, Russia’s highest honor. Later he engaged in evangelization in lands like Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Russia.
It is said that he was crucified in a place called Scythia in Russia. Saint Andrayos was caught by his enemies and crucified. He was crucified like Christ. Antrayos refused the offer of denying Christ to avoid being nailed to the cross and surrendered his life to the cross. Such was the deep relationship that Antrayos had with Christ.
