Founding an Orthodox Church in Ireland
“A pure heart, a simple life with piety, and acts of kindness.”
―The three things most pleasing to God according to Saint Ita of Killeedy.
Saint Patrick Orthodox Mission, bottom right, on the slopes of the Shanakeever Valley.
Following the Footsteps of the Early Irish Saints
According to recent reckonings, Ireland honours more local Orthodox Saints than any other ROCOR Diocese in the world. The Early Irish Saints practiced a profound faith, full of ascetics, wonder-workers, and spirited missionaries. On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Archpriest and Chancellor of the Diocese, Father Paul Elliot, blessed the Chapel of Saint Patrick and served its first Divine Liturgy with Father Robert. This was the Feast of Longinus, the Roman Centurion who stood at the foot of the Cross and confessed Christ. The icon of Saint Longinus, along those of many other beautiful saints, both Eastern and Western, now adorn our Chapel. As icons are windows into the great cloud of heavenly witnesses who join us in Divine services, our chapel window also looks out onto the beautiful Irish countryside, blessed by the footsteps and prayers of Irish Saints before us. May their supplications continue to bless this region with a rekindling of true Faith.
The Chapel of Saint Patrick
Built with the help of friends, family, and neighbours, the Chapel of Saint Patrick now celebrates Orthodox Divine services on the West Coast of Ireland. As Irish stone upholds our altar, so prayer forms the true foundation of Christ’s Church. Please remember us in your prayers!
The Life of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick led one of most successful missionary events in the history of the world. Read about the life of the our Patron Saint: his world as described in his own words.
Shamrock image from Wikipedia Commons
Saint Patrick, Orthodox Wonderworker and Patron of Our Mission and Church
The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Patrick on March 17/30.
Icon of Saint Patrick from the Chapel’s Iconstasis.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Troparion — 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!
Kontakion — Tone 4
From slavery you escaped to freedom in Christ’s service: / He sent you to deliver Ireland from the devil’s bondage. / You planted the Word of the Gospel in pagan hearts. / In your journeys and hardships you rivaled the Apostle Paul! / Having received the reward for your labors in heaven, / never cease to pray for the flock you have gathered on earth, / Holy bishop Patrick!
Kontakion — Tone 8
(Podoben: “O Victorious leader...”)
Let us come together joyously to praise the luminary of Ireland, / the most brilliant emulator and equal of the Apostles; / for having found boldness before the Lord, / he beseeches Him to free from all their sorrows those who cry out: “Rejoice, Father Patrick.”