Saint Jonah the Prophet

A life of faith

Jonah is remembered for the preaching that brought the people of Nineveh to repentance. His biblical story also includes the extraordinary passage through the great fish, which Christ himself used as a sign when speaking about his death and resurrection. Orthodox interpretation receives the three days in the fish as an image of Christ’s burial and victory over death. The OCA life emphasizes both the turning of Nineveh and this connection with the Gospel. His commemoration invites readers to encounter a prophet within the whole scriptural story, where repentance and divine mercy extend beyond familiar boundaries.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Leave room for someone else to change. Pray for a person you find difficult to welcome, and resist deciding that repentance is impossible for that person.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.