Bishop
Saint Jonah, Bishop of Velikoperm, was the fifth bishop of Perm, consecrated by Metropolitan Jonah in 1455. He arrived in Ustyug, where a cathedral had already been established by Saint Stephen. Jonah understood that many hardships awaited him, as his predecessors had perished for their faith. Times of internecine strife passed, and Saint Jonah sought to strengthen the Church by enlightening the pagan peoples, such as the Ostyaks and Voguls, who continued to resist.
In 1462, he triumphed over the Permian sorcerers, igniting the light of Christ's truth in the heart of Prince Mikhail, which contributed to the eradication of pagan idols. Within two years, Saint Jonah converted the peoples of Great Perm to Christianity, building churches and schools. He also founded a monastery in honor of Saint Apostle John the Theologian in Cherdyn.
In 1468, the Permian lands suffered from the raid of the Kazan Tatars, and Saint Jonah provided assistance to the victims. His archpastoral activity strengthened his authority in the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1459, he participated in a Council in Moscow, where he was respected by Metropolitan Jonah.
Saint Jonah peacefully departed to the Lord on June 6, 1470. His body was laid to rest in Ustyug, near the relics of Saints Gerasimus and Pitirim, where all three saints repose and perform miracles.
