Fr. Andy Cruz Lillegard, dubbed, “the Rodeo Rector” from his time riding bareback broncs in the rodeo in his younger days, has been faithfully serving the community of St. Luke the Beloved Physician in Saranac Lake, NY, since 2020.

A graduate from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah WI, Fr. Andy believes that God is calling every single person to a life lived in and through God- who loves us so much that He died on the cross to save us. 

Fr. Andy’s journey to faith began with his recovery from alcohol in 2014. God has freed Him from the bondage of addiction, and so Fr. Andy has taken the vows of ordination to, as the psalmist writes,

 “Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he has done for me.”
Psalm 66:14

Read his sermon of God’s healing here.

Fr. Andy continues to proclaim God’s goodness, and call us all to a life of faithfulness and thanksgiving through his many gifts, which include: preaching, teaching, spiritual direction, and whipping up a delicious fellowship meal or two.

 He is the Dean of the Northern Adirondacks and a member of the Diocesan Council and the Commission on Ministry. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching TV and movies, cooking, and bass fishing on the many glorious lakes in the area.