Saint Andrew, Bishop of Crete and hymnographer

Saint Andrew of Crete (c. 650–740) was a Byzantine monk, deacon, and bishop renowned as one of the great hymnographers of the Eastern Church. Born in Damascus, he entered monastic life in Jerusalem before moving to Constantinople, where he served as a deacon. He was later consecrated Archbishop of Gortyna on the island of Crete, from which his name derives. Andrew is best remembered for composing the Great Canon, an extensive penitential hymn still sung during Lent in Byzantine liturgical tradition. He died while returning from a journey to Constantinople.