Welcome to the Saint Patrick Orthodox Mission in Clifden, Ireland
I arise today through a mighty strength!
– First line of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer
Saint Patrick prayed his breastplate prayer on the morning that he risked the death penalty in order to confront the high King of Ireland. Photo: Sunrise over the Shanakeever Valley from the Saint Patrick Orthodox Mission.
In the Footsteps of the Early Irish Saints
Ireland is carpeted with the footsteps of holy men and women, having fostered more Orthodox Saints, many of whom were astonishingly ascetic and wonderworking, than any other western European land. We hope to rekindle the flame of true Christian worship that Ireland once spread so faithfully across Europe. With God’s help, and the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irenei, Ruling Bishop for the Diocese of London and Western Europe – R.O.C.O.R – the Saint Patrick Orthodox Mission seeks to plant an English-speaking Orthodox community in Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art; Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
–A favourite Christian hymn, written in old Irish by 6th C. Saint Dallan Forgaill of Connacht as Rop tú mo baile.
An Ancient Christian Heartland
Ireland has a rich Christian history which began in the 5th century with its conversion through wonder-working Saint Patrick. Following the example of Egyptian desert fathers, Celtic Christians practiced their faith with valour. Meanwhile, in Western Europe, waves of violent invasions scattered Christianity. Ardent faith, spread by Irish-trained missionaries between the 5th and 8th centuries, replanted Christianity in the West.
The sowing of Faith, however, preceded centuries of hardship for the Irish. Conflicts and invasions destroyed churches and monasteries. Penal laws dispossessed and impoverished the population, which then suffered the Great Famine of the 1840s. The ensuing exodus left behind a scarred and deserted landscape. Today’s 5 million Irish inhabitants are surrounded by fields in which one can just make out, with effort, where roads and homes used to stand. Abandoned during the famine, these places recall a time when Ireland’s population was significantly larger than today.
Here in the Shanakeever valley, we pray that we may support the growth of an English-speaking Orthodox Christian community. Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers and Mothers, and Irish Saints in particular, may our efforts bear witness to the ancient and life-giving Christian Faith of the island, sow seeds of hope and renewal, and rekindle a flame of Saint Patrick’s legacy.
Celebrating Vespers on the Resurrection of the Lord, 2024, in Saint Patrick’s Orthodox Church.
Our Spiritual Roots
Saint Patrick Orthodox Mission hopes to cultivate true Orthodoxy in the fertile earth of Ireland. While much work must be done, the mission’s ultimate focus will be the building of Faith. Following the footsteps of Christ, our primary tools will include prayer, personal repentance, and perseverance of faith. These Orthodox Christian tools help bring us into relationship with the Living God. We pray that God will cultivate us and bless our efforts to transform our little corner of Ireland into the Kingdom of God on earth!
Prayers of Support for Saint Patrick’s Mission
Troparion of Saint Patrick, Tone 3:
Holy Bishop Patrick, faithful shepherd of Christ’s royal flock, you filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel: The mighty strength of the Trinity! Now that you stand before the Savior, pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!
Troparion of Saint Ita, Tone 8:
Casting aside thy royal rank, and embracing the godly monastic life, thou didst found a renowned school of piety, wherein thou didst nurture the souls of saints in reverence and the knowledge of God; and having thus labored to please thy Bridegroom and Master, thou hast moved all the land of Erin to cry unto Him: Have pity on us, O Lord of all, and grant that we may ever stand with Ita at Thy right hand!
Orthodox Prayer for Missions:
Christ our God, the source of wisdom and Bridegroom of the Church, You called the Apostles to follow You and to become fishers of men, giving them authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal every disease and infirmity. You commissioned them to make disciples of all nations and to feed your sheep. On the day of Pentecost, You sent the Holy Spirit to fortify them, enabling them to fill peoples lives with Your saving love. Continue to act today, loving Savior, for the good of Your Holy Church. Send Your Holy Spirit upon dedicated men and women; inspire them to respond to Your Great Commission and to serve You as missionaries, for the building up of Your Body, the Church. Through the prayers of all the holy missionary Saints, strengthen all who are preparing to serve Your Holy Church in humility and love. For You are a loving and merciful God, and unto You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father, and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Launching Our First Fundraiser
We are delighted to announce our newly-approved charity status and fundraising launch! Donations will help us achieve our mission’s goals:
goals of our mission:
- Support the Church of Saint Patrick in its day-to-day operations and celebration of Orthodox services.
- Finish construction on the chapel building, including weather-proofing and building a safe entry-way.
- Buy property to expand the mission and, with God’s blessing, establish an Orthodox monastery.
- Start up our Community projects, including:
Planting English-speaking Orthodox Christianity in one of the prettiest corners of Ireland!