Andrew the Apostle was a first-century fisherman from Bethsaida and one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. As a former follower of John the Baptist, he is often recognized as the first disciple to follow Christ, subsequently introducing his brother, Simon Peter, to the Messiah. Following the ascension of Jesus, he traveled extensively as a missionary, preaching throughout regions such as Scythia, Thrace, and Achaea. He is traditionally credited with establishing the see of Byzantium, which later became the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.