About Simply Orthodox

When I began my journey into Orthodoxy, I quickly realized how overwhelming it can feel. There is so much history, beauty, language, and depth that a newcomer can hardly know where to begin.

In time, a quieter thought took root: Orthodoxy can be as complicated or as simple as we make it. The faith itself is deep enough for a lifetime, yet near enough for an ordinary day of prayer. That is the spirit behind Simply Orthodox — a place to begin, return, and grow without losing the heart of the path.

I am Patrick. When I was born and baptized into the Catholic Church, long ago, my parents blessed me with Patrick. I didn’t think much of it when I was a kid, but as I grew older, for some reason, I began to research Saint Patrick. I am a sinner, and I discovered Patrick was as well.

I’ll just say that throughout my life I have experienced many things, and I feel that Patrick was always there with me. He has never left me. As the Catholic Church began to leave me, I looked to other churches and landed in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). I kept Patrick. I mean, how could I abandon such a close friend, one who has been such an influence in my life?

Recently I have chosen to go by Padraig, the Irish/Gaelic spelling, on the internet. Now, I know someone will say Patrick wasn’t Irish. Well, that person would be correct. Patrick himself most likely went by Patricius, the British-Roman form, since his writings are in Latin and he came from the Roman British realm. Some place him in the area that became Scotland, and some in Wales.

What you’ll find here

  • Prayers for morning and evening, before Communion, and for other needs.
  • Catechesis: the faith explained simply, from the Holy Trinity to the Holy Mysteries.
  • The Liturgy and the Liturgical Year: what happens in the services and why the feasts and fasts unfold as they do.
  • Reflections: essays on living the faith day to day.

A word of care

Simply Orthodox is a companion for the journey, not a substitute for the Church. For confession, spiritual guidance, and the questions that belong to your own life, please talk with your priest.

If you have a question, a correction, or an essay you’d like to see, write to me. I read every message.