St Andronicus
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Andronicus.
Andronicus was chosen by the Lord to be among the seventy disciples whom He sent before Him to preach the kingdom of God. He received the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room on the day of the Pentecost. St. Paul mentions his name in (Romans 16:7) saying: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
He preached the Gospel in many cities in the company of Junia, and they guided many to the Christian faith, and performed many miracles, healed the sick, and transformed many idol temples in to churches. When they completed their course, and the Lord willed to take them from this world, Andronicus became ill for a short time and departed in peace. Junia buried him in a cave, and he prayed to the Lord to take him also. He departed on the next day.
Lessons from this story
Andronicus is a classical greek name, which means “male victor or warrior.” Although not much is mentioned about his life, his struggles or his contributions - which is strange for someone so beloved by St Paul. Indeed, we can surmise quite a bit more details simply by St Paul’s simple statement.
He calls Andronicus his “kinsmen”. That is akin to calling him brother, or family. Though there is no record of them being actual actual family, this term of endearment was meant as a reference to their united effort on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. But a true honor to be called family by the venerable St Paul. Even in his time, we was considered such a pillar in the Christian faith, that to receive a nod by him is akin to the President going on national TV and calling you, by name, with honor. So we must believe that St Paul is calling out the virtues of Andronicus by calling him kinsmen.
There is also a reference to to Andronicus being a fellow prisoner. But again, the telling of his story makes no reference to any imprisonment. But sure, to be called kinsmen also meant that Andronicus endured a great many challenges in spreading the word of salvation through Christ among the world. So the combination of these two references, kinsmen and prisoner, tell us much more than history has recorded. That this Andronicus was devote, loyal, virtuous, strong in the faith and example of the early Christian pillars paramount for the growing faith. And yet, he remains humbly unknown to you and me.
But perhaps the most powerful compliment that can be given is that Andronicus was noted among the apostles. His work, his effort, his sacrifices were known to the apostles.
We live in a world of showcasing. People are always on display, either literally or virtually. Racing around trying to get recognition, or worse, trying to get “likes”, “Views” or some kind of feedback. Andronicus, revered by the exalted St Paul, is virtually unknown by the world today, but his contributions were written in the Book of Life.
Serve them for Him, and serve Him for them because at the end of the day, you only need one “like” from above.

Prayer
Thank you God for the guidance you give us that we may continue to serve your great economy of salvation for all. Help us to always be good stewards of these eternal gifts. May the prayers of St Andronicus be with us all, amen.