Died on the Isle of Man, c. 648. We know that Conan actually lived, but
everything else is uncertain. He was probably from Scotland or Ireland,
where he is said to have been a model of piety from his infancy. He may
have taught
Saint Fiacre (f.d. September 1)
during the latter's
childhood (according to some "vitae" of Fiacre). He apparently lived and
worked in the Hebrides, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, where he finished
the evangelization of the people begun by Saint Patrick, because various
places bear his name. He was probably consecrated bishop of the Isle of
Man, where he is venerated as the first bishop of Sodor, which,
anachronistically, is a Viking term denoting 'southern islands' as
distinct from the Shetlands and Orkneys, which were 'northern islands.'
The veneration of Saint Conan throughout the Hebrides continued after
the destruction wrought by the Reformation
(
Attwater2,
Benedictines,
Coulson,
Encyclopaedia,
Farmer,
Husenbeth,
Montague).
Troparion of St Conan
Tone 1
We celebrate thy radiant memory,
all honourable Hierarch Conan,
consolation of the afflicted, teacher of the true faith
and shepherd of souls on the Isle of Man.
Pray for our efforts, feeble as they are,
and save our souls.