Righteous Jonah commemorated at Odesa Cathedral

Relics of St. Jonah of Odessa. Photo: TG-channel of the Odesa Eparchy

On July 1, 2025, on the feast day of Righteous Jonah of Odesa, the Liturgy was held at the Dormition Cathedral of the city. The video of the service was published on the Telegram channel of the Odesa Eparchy.

The service was conducted with the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail. The Liturgy was led by Archbishop Diodor of Pivdenne, co-served by Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, Bishop Anastasy of Ovidiopol, the cathedral's rector Archpriest Ioann, and the clergy of the eparchy.

A reliquary with the relics of Righteous Jonah of Odesa was solemnly brought to the center of the church. The relics were adorned with embroidered vestments and covered with a glass dome, and an icon of the saint was placed next to the reliquary. 

After the Liturgy, the faithful venerated the relics and offered prayers to the saint. The parishioners sought the intercession of the saint, known for his meekness, compassion, and love for those who suffer.

St. Jonah of Odesa led an ascetic life, distinguished by deep faith, mercy, and care for those in need. He served as the rector of the St. Nicholas Church in Odesa, inspired his congregation through preaching, engaged in charitable work, and defended the Church during times of persecution. Canonized as a saint in 1995, his relics now reside in the Dormition Cathedral of Odesa.

The memory of Saint Jonah in Odessa is traditionally celebrated solemnly, gathering many believers from across the diocese.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that His Beatitude led the Liturgy on the feast day of Venerable Onuphrius the Great.

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