St. Patrick in the Orthodox Church - who is this and how should he pray?

Many Western and European holidays for the post-Soviet countries are unfamiliar and incomprehensible. They include St. Patrick's Day, which is associated with many interesting traditions. The saint, to whom this celebration is dedicated, is known for many miracles.

Who is Saint Patrick?

Christian saint, who is considered the main patron of Ireland - Patrick. According to existing evidence, thanks to his actions, Christianity spread to the territory of this peninsula. Honor it in different religions and communities. Saint Patrick - patron of the Irish people himself described his life in two works: "Epistles to the Warriors of King Korotik" and "Confession."

1. Born in the IV century in Britain, which was administered by Rome. Patrick's family was wealthy.
2. The real name is Magon. Patrick, he was called his master, when he was stolen by pirates and brought to Ireland.
3. While in slavery Patrick began to believe in the Lord. Six years later he decided to flee, but God appeared to him in a dream and told him to return to the places where he was in slavery.
4. In 432 he returned to Ireland, but already, as a preacher of Christianity.
5. The place where Saint Patrick died and buried is not known, but on March 17 he is considered to be his death day.

What does Saint Patrick look like?

To understand what the saint looked like, it is necessary to pay attention to the icons. On them Patrick is represented by a man with a beard. He is dressed in green clothes and holds a trefoil, but there are options where he puts his fingers in a gesture for the blessing of people. Many wonder why St. Patrick is green. Color is directly related to one of the main symbols of this holiday - a shamrock of green color.

Saint Patrick is a legend

With the person of St. Patrick there are many legends that help to know more about the life of this man:

1. Describing what St. Patrick is famous for, remember the ancient Irish legend, which tells that he drove all the snakes from the peninsula. Allegedly, with his prayers, he first collected all the reptiles on top of Mount Crow, and then ordered them to rush into the sea. In fact, historians say that there were no reptiles on this earth in ancient times.
2. Describing who this Saint Patrick is, remember another legend about the druids. The Irish believe that thanks to their prayers, he was able to defeat the dark magicians.
3. In another story, it is described that in one city was the great idol of Ireland - Crom Croix. He was considered the main deity, but when Patrick came and touched the idol with his staff, he fell apart and turned into ashes.

St. Patrick in Orthodoxy

The view that St. Patrick refers only to the Catholic Church is incorrect. This is due to the fact that Patrick lived in the VI century, when the Christian Church was not divided. St. Patrick is an Orthodox saint, and he is also worshiped in separate Protestant churches. He devoted his entire adult life to spreading Christianity. They turn to him to turn unbelieving people to the Lord. St. Patrick's Day in Orthodoxy falls on March 30.

Saint Patrick - Prayer

The most famous prayer text that was used by the saints is the "Shield of St. Patrick". According to the legend, along with his comrades, they were sent to the capital of Ireland to preach to the king. The Druids wanted to attack them and ambushed them, but Patrick felt something was wrong and began to sing a prayer, which allowed them to go unnoticed, because instead of people, the enemies saw a herd of deer. St. Patrick in the Orthodox Church is an ambiguous personality, so many historians doubt that the presented prayer refers to the saint.

The Symbol of St. Patrick

With the day of this saint there are many different symbols that have their own history of appearance.

1. Shamrock . One of the important symbols of Ireland, which is even registered as a trademark of this country. His appearance is connected with the legend that on this plant Patrick explained to people the triune unity of the Lord. Over time, the symbol of St. Patrick's trefoil became a symbol of the independence and rebellion of the Irish. Since 1689, a plant during the holiday is attached to clothing instead of the cross of the saint.
2. Harp . The coat of arms of Ireland features a gold musical instrument with 12 strings, which symbolizes the strength and power of the Irish people.
3. Shillale . Oak staff that the saint used. In the modern world it is made of thorn.

How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

For the first time a holiday in honor of this saint began to be celebrated in the 10th-11th century, and the celebration is widespread not only in Ireland, but also in other places where there is a large diaspora. Almost all countries celebrate a secular holiday on March 17. In Ireland since 1903 this is the official day off. It is worth noting that in the same year the state issued a law that on that day all pubs and bars should be closed, since the people sang strong, but in 1970 it was canceled. With the day of St. Patrick, many different traditions are connected.

1. Christian pilgrims every year climb the mountain of Croagh Patrick, where St. Patrick prayed.
2. On this day, people dress in everything green and attach a shamrock to their clothes.
3. Mandatory is the morning visit to the church.
4. Celebrate the holiday and in America, where many Irish live. March 17, the Chicago River is always painted green. In addition, parades take place in many cities.
5. In ancient times there was a ritual of drinking whiskey on Patrick's day. At the bottom of the glass, a shamrock was put, and after drinking alcohol, it was extracted and thrown through the left shoulder.
6. As for the leprechauns, historically this day they are not connected in any way. Entrepreneurs just needed to come up with a commercial symbol of the day, and strict Patrick did not fit this role, so they decided to use this fabulous creature.

St. Patrick's Day - Interesting Facts

There is information that is not common and may interest many.

1. There is evidence that St. Patrick wore blue robes, and the green color was associated with this day in the late 18th century.
2. Among the famous personalities there are fans of this holiday. The celebration is celebrated by the Mariah Carey family, and all family members dress up in green robes. Queen Elizabeth II performs a ceremonial exit, putting on a green suit, and the prince and the duchess take part in the parade.
3. Describing the facts about the day of St. Patrick, we should mention the festive dishes. Although the celebration falls on the period of Lent, on this day it is allowed to eat meat. According to the legend, the holy meat products themselves are turned into fish. Traditional dishes - lamb with stewed cabbage , baked pudding with bacon and bread from potatoes.
4. According to the belief, if a person on the day of the holiday finds a leaf of a four-leaf clover, he will find happiness.