Today, June 9th, we honor one of the greatest missionary saints of the British Isles: the holy Abbot Columba (Colum Cille), the Enlightener of Scotland. While many people associate the "Loch Ness Monster" with modern sci-fi and local folklore, the very first recorded sighting of Nessie actually belongs to Orthodox hagiography!
According to his 7th-century Life written by St. Adomnán, St. Columba was traveling through the land of the Picts in A.D. 565 when he encountered a terrifying "water beast" in the River Ness. The creature had already fatally mauled a local man and was rushing to attack one of Columba's monks.
Without hesitation, the holy elder made the Sign of the Cross in the air and commanded the beast in the Name of God: "Go no further. Touch not the man. Go back at once!"
The monster froze as if pulled back by ropes and fled into the deep. Seeing this incredible manifestation of God's power over creation, the pagan Picts glorified Christ and embraced the Holy Orthodox faith.
St. Columba reminds us that true holiness commands even the wild and mysterious forces of nature. Through his holy prayers, may Christ our God have mercy on us and save us! Holy Saint Columba, pray to God for us!