Hierarch · 5th century
Patrick of Ireland
Saint Patrick, Bishop of Armagh, Enlightener of Ireland
New Calendar March 17 Old Calendar March 30
Why they are a saint
Patrick of Ireland was enlightener of Ireland, pre-schism bishop of Armagh. Kept on Orthodox calendars of the West and by many converts of Irish ancestry. The years given for this life are 5th century. The New Calendar feast is March 17; this memory is kept in the Irish Church.
Life
Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland, was born around 385, the son of Calpurnius, a Roman decurion, possibly near the mouth of the Severn. At sixteen he was taken captive by pirates and sold as a slave in Ireland, where he herded swine on a mountain identified with Slemish. There he learned the Irish language and prayed in solitude for six years, until he escaped and returned to his parents in Britain.
He later studied for the priesthood at Auxerre in Gaul under Saint Germanus, was consecrated bishop, and was sent to Ireland as successor to Saint Palladius. He founded many churches and monasteries, ordained native priests and deacons, and encouraged monasticism. He met hostility and was assaulted several times, but baptized many people into Christ. His autobiographical Confession tells of his trials.
He is often shown holding a shamrock, which he used to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
Honoured as the Enlightener of Ireland. The cited source names no other specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for ireland. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Patrick of Ireland, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Patrick of Prusa (hieromartyr).