Prophet
Jonah the Prophet
New Calendar September 21 Old Calendar October 4
Why they are a saint
Jonah or Jonas was a Jewish prophet from Gath-hepher in the Northern Kingdom of Israel around the 8th century BCE according to the Hebrew Bible. He is the central figure of the Book of Jonah, one of the minor prophets, which details his reluctance in delivering the judgment of God to the city of Nineveh in the Neo-Assyrian Empire. After he is swallowed by a large sea creature and then released, he returns to the divine mission.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Jonah the Prophet as a patron when they bear the name Jonah at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 21. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Jonah the Prophet, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.