The Abbey at Iona
In 563 Columba and 12 companions left Ireland, arriving first at what is today Southend, on the southern tip of Kintyre. This, though, was still within sight of Ireland, so they travelled further north, landing on Iona on 12 May 563. The island was granted to Columba for the establishment of a monastery by King Conall of a distant relative. (Undiscovered Scotland)
The feast day is past and gone, but no matter. Time in the Kingdom of God is not our time. MadPriest's service of Evening Prayer for the feast day at St Laika's is lovely. If only for the gorgeous version of “Kells Opening Theme” performed by Iona, it's worth a listen. But there's more, much more.
Ephrem...was a teacher, poet, orator, and defender of the Faith.... Edessa (now Urfa), a city in modern Turkey about 100 kilometers from Antioch (now Antakya), was a an early center for the spread of Christian teaching in the East. It is said that in 325 he accompanied his bishop, James of Nisibis, to the Council of Nicea. Certainly his writings are an eloquent defense of the Nicene faith in the Deity of Jesus Christ. He countered the Gnostics' practice of spreading their message through popular songs by composing Christian songs and hymns of his own, with great effect. He is known to the Syrian church as "the harp of the Holy Spirit." (James Kiefer at The Lectionary)
PRAYER OF ST EPHREM
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust for power and idle talk. But grant to me, your servant, a spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brothers and sisters. For blessed are you unto the ages of ages. Amen.
CELTIC BLESSING
In work and worship,
God is with us.
Gathered and scattered,
God is with us.
Now and always,
God is with us.
Check out St Laika's. You won't be sorry.
