Monks return to Iona

Ruins of Iona Nunnery, an Augustinian convent founded around 1203. Image ICN/JS

Monks have returned to the island of Iona for the first time since the Reformation.

Five monks from the Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints, moved to the island last year. The new monks are in an order founded by an Oxford University educated monk, Father Seraphim Aldea, who was inspired by the landscape of Iona.

Nuns from another Orthodox order, on the neighbouring island of Mull, joined the monks for Christmas and held their services together in the chapel of St Oran.

The monks' website says: "We are an English speaking, multi-national community living on the Islands of Mull and Iona, united by our faith and our love for Christ and His Saints.

"We strive to support the Orthodox in the West and to pray for the world."

Iona is the most ancient centres of Christianity in Scotland, dating from 563, when St Columba came from Ireland and founded a monastery there. The site of St Columba's monastery is now home to the Iona community, an ecumenical order. Hundreds of pilgrims visit each year for retreats and prayer.

LINKS

Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints: https://mullmonastery.com/

Iona Community: https://iona.org.uk/