Venerable · 521–597
Columba of Iona
Saint Columba of Iona, Enlightener of Scotland
New Calendar June 9 Old Calendar June 22
Why they are a saint
Columba of Iona is remembered as Irish monk who founded Iona and enlightened the Picts/Scots. Pre-schism; on Orthodox Western calendars. The years given for this life are 521–597. The New Calendar feast is June 9; this memory is kept in the Scottish / Irish Church.
Life
Saint Columba (Colum Cille, 'the dove of the Church') was of noble birth, of the Ui Néill clan, and is believed to have been born in County Donegal on December 7, 521. He was fostered by a priest named Cruithnechan. Some sources state that after his ordination he preached in Ireland and founded monasteries at Derry and Durrow.
His Life by Saint Adomnan says he left Ireland two years after the Battle of Cúl Dreimhne (561); another Life links that battle to a dispute with Saint Finnian over a copied book. In 563, wishing to be a pilgrim for Christ, he settled with twelve companions on the island of Iona.
He reposed in 597, having foretold his departure. He is honoured as the Enlightener of Scotland.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of Scotland / the Gaels, because he is linked to that land by his life and labours.
Prayer
O holy Columba of Iona, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.