Friday, March 16, 2012

Happy St Patty's Day!

From my Irish family to yours: Happy St Patrick's Day! Most people celebrate this day with some crazy behavior, especially for the feastday of a saint and don't realize that St Patrick is a saint in the Orthodox Christian Church.

Saint Patrick was an ascetic and missionary in the land of Ireland during the 3rd & 4th centuries. His feastday is celebrated on March 17th, the day of his repose in the Lord. While this day has been transformed into a modern secular holiday associated with Irish culture, such as green clothing and beer, as well as parades, it is important to remember Who the celebration should focus on - GOD!

St Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland
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St. Patrick traveled and endured much hostility as he preached the "good news" of the Christian Faith in the Irish land of pagans. The life of St. Patrick can be found HERE.

St. Patrick is often depicted holding a shamrock. He used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Its three leaves growing out of a single stem helped explain the concept of one God in three Persons.


Image Source

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has set up a program for local chapters to spread the word about the "real" St. Patrick; find out more HERE.

Our Holy Father among the Saints, Patrick, pray unto God for us!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

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