Pilgrimage to Ireland

O holy hierarch Patrick, wonder­worker equal to the apostles, enlightener of the Irish land: entreat the merciful God, that He grant our souls remission of transgressions! - St Patrick Tropar, Tone 3

I have never been to Ireland but would dearly love to go. My paternal grandmother was Irish and I have recently had a desire to go to visit the area where she would have lived and known, and perhaps explore something of my Irish roots.


St Colman mac Ua Laoighse

My diocese has a small church in Stradbally, dedicated in honour of St Colman of Oughaval. There are some photographs of the church here. It was designed by Father Deacon Andrew Bond of the St George Orthodox Information Service, and built by local crafstmen. While they do not have their own priest, Father Peter from our cathedral travels over to serve the Liturgy for them on a regular basis. I would love to visit this little church and perhaps even do Reader services one Sunday. It would be a great honour.

I have no idea yet when this will be, or whether I shall be alone or take a friend but it is certainly something I wish to do, God willing. I would love to visit some of the shrines and holy places of the Saints of Orthodox Éire. Are there are any particular places that anybody would like to recommend? I'd be grateful for suggestions. Thank you.

Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! dear saint of our Isle,
on us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile;
and now thou art high in the mansions above,
on Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
on Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! thy words were once strong
against Satan's wiles and an infidel throng;
not less is thy might where in heaven thou art;
O, come to our aid, in our battle take part.

In the war against sin, in the fight for the Faith,
dear Saint, may thy children resist unto death;
may their strength be in meekness, in penance, their prayer,
their banner the Cross which they glory to bear.

Thy people, now exiles on many a shore,
shall love and revere thee till time be no more;
and the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright,
its warmth undiminished, undying its light.

Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth,
where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wert on earth,
and our hearts shall yet burn, wherever we roam,
for God and Saint Patrick, and our native home.