Presbyter
Saint Jonah the Presbyter lived in Palestine and was the father of the venerable Theodore and Theophanes the 'Charted', who suffered for the veneration of holy icons at the hands of the iconoclast emperors. He was distinguished by his piety and virtuous life, diligently practicing hospitality and other acts of Christian mercy. After the loss of his wife, Jonah withdrew to the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified, where he took monastic vows and acquired great piety. Constantly engaged in strict fasting and prayers, he prayed for the peace of the Holy Church and the piety of the kings, as the Byzantine emperors had deviated into the iconoclastic heresy. Jonah reached a venerable old age and, for his God-pleasing life, received the gift of healing. Peacefully departing this life, he entrusted his soul to the Lord, to whom he had always burned with love.
