11/06/2026
Assembly (Synaxis) of the Celtic Saints
It is customary on the Second Sunday of Matthew (14. 06. 26) for the Church to celebrate the Assembly of the Celtic Saints, that is, the gathering of all those Saints who lived in, or originated from, Ireland, Scotland, and Britain: martyrs, hierarchs, monastics, women and men, young and old, rich and poor, all of whom became vessels of the grace of the Holy God.
They embraced the way of life of Christ, transformed their lives, and lived in Christ; that is, they lived the Gospel in a practical and tangible manner. This is the apostolic life: Christ at the center, and all of us gathered around Him. This is the purpose of our lives—to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered.
If we study the lives of the Celtic Saints, we will discover how significant their witness truly is. Then the name of God is magnified, and together we proclaim: “Wonderful is God in His Saints!”
Their honor before God is great, as testified by a modern Saint of our Church, Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia. At the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ, which he founded at Milesi, near Athens, he dedicated one of the monastery’s chapels to the Celtic Saints.
On March 17, 2024, before my election as Metropolitan of Ireland, I read the Synaxarion of the day and became acquainted with Saint Patrick, whose feast is celebrated on that date. I was particularly moved by his famous prayer, which is entirely centered on Christ:
“Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left hand, Christ above me, Christ beneath me; Christ within me, Christ around me, Christ in every step I take and in every breath I breathe.”
I reflected upon this moment and shared it on my personal instagram account. Five days later, without any prior expectation or knowledge of what was to come, I was elected Metropolitan of Ireland and successor to Saint Patrick.
My encounter with the Celtic Saints has been a wonderful spiritual experience and remains a precious inheritance for my ministry in the beautiful land of Ireland.
I firmly believe that the greatest benefactors and supporters of our efforts to organize and strengthen our local Church are the Celtic Saints. They serve as our spiritual compass, guiding us to follow in their footsteps, to come to know Christ more deeply, and to bring the light of the Gospel and the life of Christ into contemporary society.
The Celtic Saints will assist us in our needs, support us in every trial and temptation, and spiritually rejoice in our struggles, our achievements, and the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty God.
Through their intercessions, may we always walk in faith, hope, unity and love, keeping our Lord Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so that our lives may become truly Christ-centered and bear witness to His presence in the modern world.
May the Saints of the Celtic lands guide our steps, strengthen our missionary and pastoral ministry, and remain shining examples of holiness, faith, and devotion to God. By following their example, may we also be found worthy to become partakers of God’s grace and to glorify His all-holy and majestic Name unceasingly, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
With paternal blessings,
† Iakovos of Ireland
Metropolitan of Ireland and Exarch of Celtic Sea
