Orthodoxy in Ireland

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The history of Orthodoxy in Ireland begins with the foundation of Medieval Christian practice that developed in the Roman province of Britannia. During the first few centuries of the Christian era, Christianity reached Britannia and was spread by Celtic-speaking peoples throughout the isles primarily by trade contact through the Irish sea.

By 431, the Latin alphabet was in use. Palladius, considered a saint by Roman Catholics, arrived from the island of Sicily to preach in modern Leinster. He is the best known of those whom preceeded Saint Patrick in Ireland, and his accounts are often confused with those of the later. When he passed away in 461, he reportedly left behind a writing tablet and various relics of Peter and Paul.

Saint Patrick, also considered to be a saint by Roman Catholics, is venerated in the Orthodox Church.

Today, the Antiochian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church have a presence in Ireland.