100th Anniversary of Repose of St. Jonah of Hankow Celebrated Across Europe

Honouring St Jonah of Hankow in the Luxembourg Parish. Photo: orthodox-europe.org

LUXEMBOURG — On Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 (Oct. 6, Old Calendar), the Parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Luxembourg solemnly commemorated the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Jonah of Hankow and Manchuria, the Wonderworker, in accordance with the directives of the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Ruling Bishop. The parish is in the Russian Church Abroad's (ROCOR) Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and faithful offered a moleben (supplicatory service) to St. Jonah, praying for his intercession and protection. The service was graced by the participation of the parish Sunday School children, whose joyful singing added beauty and reverence to the occasion.

In his homily, Archpriest Ioann Grigoriță reflected on the saint’s humility, self-sacrifice, and miracles, describing St. Jonah as a model of love and service to one’s neighbor. He encouraged the faithful to keep the saint close in their daily prayers, calling him a swift helper in times of need.

After the service, the Orthodox youth group hosted a gathering in the parish refectory, where parishioners viewed a historical documentary on the miraculous Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. The screening served as spiritual preparation for the anticipated arrival of the holy icon in the parish in the coming days.

The celebration was marked by a spirit of gratitude and unity, as the faithful gave thanks for the heavenly intercession of St. Jonah and looked forward with joy to welcoming one of Orthodoxy’s greatest sacred treasures.

Previously, UOJ reported that ROCOR celebrated the first Feast of the Uncovering of the Relics of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

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