St. Patrick (Latin: Patricius, Irish language: Naomh Padraig) is a Christian missionary and the patron saint of Ireland together with Brigid of Kildare and Kolumba. Patrick was born in Roman Britain. When usinya about 16 years, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he stayed for six years, then escaped and returned to his family. He entered the church, as well as his father and grandfather before, became a deacon and a bishop. Later he returned to Ireland as a missionary, working in the north and west of the island, but little is known about where he actually worked and no link could be found between Patrick with any church. In the 8th century, it has become the patron saint of Ireland, mainly because of propaganda by the monastery Armagh claiming to save relics. Irish monastery system evolved after the time of Patrick and the Irish church did not develop the models that have been tried diocese formed by Patrick and the other early missionaries.

The available evidence does not allow us to establish with certainty Patrick's lifetime, but it seems he was active as a missionary in Ireland in the second half of the 5th century. Two letters survived, along with a number of recent hagiografia from the 7th century onwards. Many of these works can not be accepted as an authentic tradition. When the Ulster History (see below) is accepted uncritically, then it means that Patrick lived at 373 to 493, and ministered in Northern Ireland since 433.

Legend also mentions that Patrick teaches the concept of the Trinity to the people by showing them Isrlandia shamrock leaf, a kind of clover with three leaves, and use it to indicate the Christian belief of 'three persons in one God' (so opposed to the Arian belief that was popular at past Patrick ). If the legends are true or not, the fact that there are so many legends about Patrick shows how important his ministry for Ireland. Most legend Ireland involving Oilliphéist, Caoránach, and Copóg Phádraig.

Works of the 12th century, Acallam na Senórach tells of Patrick met by two ancient heroes, Caílte mac Rónáin and Oisin, missionary journeys. Both fighters had been a member of the group Fionn mac Cumhaill, Fianna, and was still alive at the time of Patrick. They accompany this saint and tells them their stories.

Appointment as a saint and a warning

March 17, popularly known as the Day of St. Patrick, is believed to be the date of his death (according to the Encyclopedia Britannica) and this date is celebrated as a feast day. This day became the anniversary of the universal church because of the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding, as a member of the commission to update the Prayer Book in the early 17th century.

In the first thousand years of Christianity in general, canonization performed at the diocesan or regional level. Relatively shortly after the death of people who are considered to be very sacred, the local Church confirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as a saint. As a result, St. Patrick was never officially canonized by a pope, but he is still widely revered in Ireland and in other places now.

St. Patrick is also respected in the Orthodox Church, especially among people who speak English Orthodox Christians who live in Great Britain and Ireland as well as in North America. There are even Orthodox icons dedicated to him.