a small island in the Inner Hebrides , Scotland. It was a centre of early Christianity and a monastery (= Christian religious community) was established there by St Columba in 563. There are several early Christian monuments there and it is seen as a place of special religious importance, especially by Christian groups who go there in the summer to work and worship.
IONA
Meaning of IONA in English
Oxford guide to British and American culture English vocabulary. Руководство по британской и американской культуре, Оксфордский английский словарь. 2005