Prophet Jonah and Saint Phocas: October 5 — a day for repentance and forgiveness

Orthodox Christians in the Macedonian Orthodox Church observe on October 5 a shared feast that honours the Old Testament prophet Jonah and the hieromartyr Phocas. The day is traditionally seen as a reminder of repentance, the power of forgiveness and the possibility of a fresh spiritual start.

Ancient stories, modern lesson

The narrative of Jonah is among the best known in Scripture. According to tradition, Jonah was the son of the widow of Zarephath in Sidon who was brought back to life by the prophet Elijah. When God called him to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, Jonah attempted to flee his mission and boarded a ship bound for the opposite shore. A violent storm arose and, recognising that his disobedience had caused the peril, Jonah asked to be thrown into the sea.

By divine will a great fish swallowed Jonah, and he remained in its belly for three days and three nights, praying with true repentance. His three-day ordeal and subsequent rescue have long been interpreted in Christianity as a prefiguration of Christ’s three-day entombment and Resurrection.

Troparion: "Jonah, the prophet of God, we celebrate today, O faithful; through him we saw His mercy, He Who created man, He loves him. As a child Jonah God raised him, as an adult he was brought to knowledge, O Christ, for Your three-day stay in the earth. Prophet, you who became a trumpet calling to repentance, pray that we may recognise our sins, and with fasting and prayer belong to Christ."

Alongside Jonah, the Church commemorates Saint Phocas, bishop of Sinop. From youth he was noted for Christian virtues, and by word and example converted many pagans. For his steadfast faith he endured severe tortures under Emperor Trajan and received the martyr’s crown.

Troparion: "Prepare your heart, Phocas, priest-martyr, for the Lord; no earthly force touched the faith which you placed in Him, no human reasoning diminished your zeal; crowned one on whom Heaven visibly laid a hand. Rejoice and pray for us, gracious servant of God."

The observance carries practical spiritual advice for believers and for anyone seeking emotional relief: acknowledge mistakes, offer and accept forgiveness, and use the day as an opportunity for reconciliation. Many mark the feast by attending church services, lighting candles for the health of relatives, and offering prayers for peace and protection in the home.

Photo: press material from the event