When we think of Greek Orthodox Christians, our minds usually go to places like America or Australia. Ireland, however, isn’t often part of that picture. Yet the country has a growing Greek Orthodox community – and Finnian is part of it. This Christmas marks his first celebration as an Orthodox Christian, after a remarkable journey from Protestantism to Orthodoxy.
The Greek Herald spoke to Finnian, and here is his story.
Although Ireland has traditionally been associated with Catholicism and Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity – including Greek Orthodoxy – has become increasingly visible in recent decades.
Driven by migration and Western converts, the Orthodox population has grown to over 100,000 nationwide, according to the 2022 census. In 2024, a major milestone was reached with the establishment of the Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Ireland and Exarchy of the Celtic Sea, creating a distinct diocese for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland under Metropolitan Iakovos Antonopoulos.
Finnian is 23 years old and a student of history and languages.
“I’m a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity from Ireland! My patron is Saint Finnian of Clonard, a great saint of the 6th century in Ireland,” he says.
He is passionate about theology and all matters relating to the Church and Christendom.
His journey into Orthodoxy has been a long one. Growing up culturally Roman Catholic and exploring Protestant theologies, he never felt he had a strong foundation for his faith or relationship with God.
“I discovered the Orthodox Church through studying the early Irish and Celtic Church, and I quickly noticed the many similarities and parallels, and the unchanging nature of the Church through the ages — preserved in the East under the other Patriarchs after the Great Schism of 1054,” Finnian says.
“It was an enlightenment for my mind, and my soul leaped for joy with the familiarity, realising this is the faith of the many great saints of my homeland, Ireland.”
For Finnian, the decision to convert came naturally after attending a Divine Liturgy for the first time — he knew then that he had found his home.
“After several months as a catechumen, I was baptised and chrismated on Holy Saturday, 19 April 2025, on the eve of Pascha,” he says.
This year, celebrating an Orthodox Christmas for the first time feels sacred and uplifting, surrounded by his parish community.
“It is a completely different experience for the soul compared to other Christmases I have known,” he says.
The Orthodox community in Dublin felt warm and welcoming from the very beginning, Finnian adds.
“From speaking to catechumens and cradle Orthodox, to clergy — especially Metropolitan Iakovos, who received me into the Church earlier this year — everyone has been kind and now feels like family,” he says.
“I am particularly thankful to my godfather, Mixalis, and my friend Miltiades; these two were among the most welcoming and are people I chant with during the Liturgy.”
From discovering Orthodoxy to learning about it from books, priests, monks, nuns, bishops, and archbishops, to finally becoming an Orthodox Christian himself, Finnian describes the experience as life-changing.
“The way I view the world, people, the unseen, life after death — everything — has changed dramatically,” he says.
As a native of Ireland, with its rich heritage of history, culture, and language, becoming Orthodox was the missing piece that connected everything for him.
Orthodoxy has also transformed Finnian’s view of others. The example of the saints and their love for all has inspired him to approach people, animals, and nature with kindness, love, and care, bringing a joy unlike any other.
“My only advice to those curious about Orthodoxy, or considering converting, is simple: ‘Come and see.’ This phrase from the Holy Scriptures is the best advice I ever received when inquiring about the faith,” he says.
Finnian also recommends visiting a Greek Orthodox church at Christmas.
“You don’t need to meet any personal requirements — you only need to come as you are. This is how the Lord extends His hand to us in His unending love. With the celebration of His birth approaching, there’s no better time to visit an Orthodox parish,” he says.
