Andrew of Crete

Also: Andrew of Jerusalem

Born probably between 650 and 660, probably in Damascus, Syria. Died probably in 740, by tradition in Eresos, Lesbos, Greece.

Monk of Jerusalem and archbishop of Gortyn in Crete, known as the first writer of the hymn form called the canon.

Wrote in Greek.

Places lived

675 to 685Hierosolyma (now Jerusalem)monkyears not sure, place probable
685 to 700Constantinopolis (now Istanbul, Turkey)deaconyears not sure, place probable
700 to 740Gortyna (now Gortyn, Crete, Greece)bishopyears not sure, place probable

1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.

The Great Canonlate seventh or early eighth century · place not known · poemA very long hymn of repentance sung in Lent; the English text is a small part only, in Neale's verse.476 words

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Place of birth probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Died probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
4 July 740. Some put it earlier.
Place of death by tradition: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Hierosolyma, years not sure: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Hierosolyma, place probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Constantinopolis, years not sure: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Constantinopolis, place probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Gortyna, years not sure: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)
Gortyna, place probable: Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, "Andrew of Crete"; the Life by Niketas the patrician (BHG 113)