On the Feast of St Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland, a little band of pilgrims from Holy Cross parish went one mile down the road from their Church to the 6th c. Chapel of St Patrick, a local British Saint and Enlightener of Ireland to celebrate his feast day. After visiting the pre-schism Anglican parish church of St Peter built in 960 A.D., the pilgrims proceeded to St Patrick's Chapel where they had a small service. The local Anglican priest also attended. The pilgrims were blessed with good weather and the sun came out as a blessing as they sang "The Lorica" the ancient hymn St Patrick's Breastplate.
It is said that St Patrick came from the west coast of Britain, born of a Roman deacon. Some associate this place in Wales some in Scotland. There is a tradition that St Patrick founded the monastery here on his return to Ireland from Gaul to convert the pagans. The emains are certainly 6th century and there was a thriving monastery in the place until the 14th century. There is also St Patrick's well near the Chapel.
God is glorified in his saints!
Prayer Service with St Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
Trisagion Prayers
I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;*
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Troparion (Tone 3)
Holy Bishop Patrick,
Faithful shepherd of Christ's royal flock,
You filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel:
The mighty strength of the Trinity!
Now that you stand before the Savior,
Pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!
Kontakion (Tone 4)
From slavery you escaped to freedom in Christ's service:
He sent you to deliver Ireland from the devil's bondage.
You planted the Word of the Gospel in pagan hearts.
In your journeys and hardships you rivalled the Apostle Paul!
Having received the reward for your labours in heaven,
Never cease to pray for the flock you have gathered on earth,
Holy bishop Patrick!