Today the world over people are getting drunk making asses of themselves and generally being idiots.  All in the name of St. Patrick.  Who was St. Patrick you might ask, He was a righteous and long suffering servant of God; a sinner, a man, a priest and a Bishop.  Now don't get me wrong I am Irish, and I love a good party and drink at times, but it seems wrong somehow that this man who fought against the devil in Ireland should now have his memory tied with such reckless abandon and debauchery.

Holy Bishop Nicholas pray for those who honor you, and for those who have forgotten the Face of God.

Troparion in 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 in 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 rivaled the Apostle Paul!

Having received the reward for your labors in heaven,

Never cease to pray for the flock you have gathered on earth,

Holy bishop Patrick!