Orange Institution sends St Patrick’s Day greetings

The Grand Master of the Orange Institution has sent St Patrick’s Day greeting cards to Irish Embassies and Diplomatic Stations around the world. 

Saint Patrick's Day greeting card which was sent to Irish Embassies and Diplomatic Stations

Edward Stevenson said that the organisation acknowledges that some may view the move as surprising, but has stated that people need to be reminded that Patrick is not the sole preserve of Irish nationalism. 

Mr. Stevenson said: “First and foremost, Patrick was a Christian, who brought the good news of the Gospel to Ireland – a large part of that story is of course centered in Ulster. For too long, many St Patrick’s Day events at home and abroad have been dominated by the Nationalist/Republican tradition, are not inclusive, and make little effort to recognise the Protestant/Unionist tradition in Ireland.” 

Words of Saint Patrick featured within the card

Message from the Grand Master

The message sent to the various Ambassadors, highlights the need to recognise the wider political, cultural and religious diaspora of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the importance of St Patrick to many within the Unionist community who are increasingly marking the day with services, parades and functions. The card also highlights the integral part played by the Cross of St Patrick in the design of the Union Flag. 

Highlighting how the Cross of Saint Patrick features in the Union Flag

The Grand Master concluded by stating: “The legacy of St Patrick, the man who brought Christianity to Ireland and has been described as the ‘Apostle of Ulster,’ should not solely be about green beer, leprechauns or the flag of the Republic of Ireland. In addition to the celebrations, we all should look to Patrick’s own writings which reinforce the Biblical truths of our need for salvation and God’s grace.”