Ternan facts for kids

Saint Ternan was an important religious leader who lived in Scotland a long time ago, either in the 400s or 500s. He is known as the "Bishop of the Picts". The Picts were an ancient group of people who lived in what is now Scotland. We don't know many details about Ternan's life, but he played a big role in spreading Christianity.

The Life of Saint Ternan

Ternan was likely born in a place called Fordoun in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Some people think he learned about Christianity from the followers of another saint, Ninian. He studied at a famous school called Candida Casa in Whithorn. A Celtic priest named Paulinus baptized him. Ternan was a monk at Culross, a monastery founded by Saint Serf.

Starting a Monastery in Banchory

Ternan started a small monastery near the River Dee. This area is now the town of Banchory. He and his followers did more than just preach. They also taught the local people useful skills. These skills included farming, arts, and crafts. Many churches in Banchory are still named after Saint Ternan today.

Becoming a Bishop

Later, Ternan became a bishop for the southern Picts. He lived in a place called Abernethy. As a bishop, he had the power to ordain, or officially make, other priests. He ordained a person named Irchard. Irchard helped Ternan with his important work of spreading the Christian message.

Special Items of Saint Ternan

Two special items are part of Saint Ternan's story: his copy of the Gospel of Matthew and his bell.

The Gospel Book

The "Aberdeen Martyrology," an old book listing saints, mentions "the Gospel of Matthew belonging to St. Ternan." This important book was kept safe in a special metal box. This type of box is called a cumdach, or a book shrine.

The Ronnecht Bell

Ternan's bell is also known as the "Ronnecht." People say he brought this bell all the way from Rome to Banchory. The last time it was officially recorded was in 1491. It was given to Alexander Symson, a church leader in the area.

In 1863, workers found an old bronze bell while digging for a railway. No one is sure if this is Ternan's actual bell. However, it now hangs on the wall of Banchory Ternan East Church. It reminds everyone of Saint Ternan's important work in early Scottish Christianity.

Celebrating Saint Ternan

Saint Ternan's feast day is celebrated every year on June 12. In Banchory, people still honor him on this day. They hold a special event called St Ternan's Fair. This fair usually takes place on the Saturday closest to June 12.

There was once a chapel dedicated to Saint Ternan on an island called Taransay. Sadly, the chapel was destroyed by coastal erosion in the 1970s. This means the sea slowly wore away the land until the building fell apart.

Images for kids

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  St Ternan's, Banchory

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  St Ternans Episcopal Church, Muchalls

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  St Ternan's, Arbuthnott

See also

• Trumwine of Abercorn