# Orthodox Church religious commemorations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260921-orthodox-church-religious-commemorations > Updated: 2026-09-27T16:27:31.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 3. In late September, the Orthodox Church observes several religious commemorations. On September 21, the Church commemorates Prophet Jonah. On September 22, observances include Saint Phocas the Hieromartyr and Wonderworker, the Bishop of Sinope, and Saint Cosmas of Zografou, an ascetic associated with the Zografou Monastery. Saint Phocas, who served as Bishop of Sinope during the reign of Emperor Trajan, is traditionally venerated as a protector of sailors. He is noted for his missionary work and was martyred by being cast into a hot bath. Saint Cosmas of Zografou, a Bulgarian ascetic and hermit from the Zografou monastery on Mount Athos, is also honored for his spiritual gifts, including visions and prophecy. He is noted as having come from a Bulgarian aristocratic family and passed away in 1323. On September 28, the Church honors Saint Chariton the Confessor and Saint Alcison, Bishop of Nicopolis. Saint Chariton, a 3rd-century figure from Iconium who lived under Emperor Aurelian, is recognized for his steadfast faith during persecution and his establishment of monastic lauras in Palestine, such as the Lavra of Phara. On September 29, the Church commemorates Saint Kyriakos the Anchorite. A 5th-century native of Corinth, he is remembered for his ascetic life in the Holy Land, where he was influenced by figures such as Saint Euthymius the Great and Saint Gerasimus of the Jordan. He is noted for his character of patience and gentleness while living in the deserts of Judea. Other observances during this period include the Prophet Baruch, Saint Wenceslas, and Saint Faustus of Riez. Additional commemorations on September 29 include Saint Theophan the Merciful, known for his extreme charity in Gaza, and Saint Petronia. ## Claims - The Orthodox calendar honors Saint Cosmas the Painter and Hieromartyr Phocas on September 22. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Chariton the Confessor and Saint Alksinos on September 28. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Saint Chariton the Confessor was originally from Iconium in Asia Minor. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Saint Chariton lived during the era of Emperor Aurelian. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Saint Chariton founded the Lavra of Phara and later established a new Lavra in the Souka region. (corroborated by 3 sources) - September 28 is observed internationally as World Rabies Day to raise awareness for disease prevention. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The European Commission established European Car-Free Day on a pan-European scale in 2000. (single source) - Thessaloniki has the highest levels of atmospheric particulate matter in Greece, followed by Athens, Larissa, and Patra, according to Greenpeace. (single source) - Reducing particulate matter in Athens from 52.12 to below 20 micrograms per cubic meter could prevent 5,066 annual deaths. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Orthodox Church commemorates saints on September 28 and 29 The Orthodox Church commemorates saints such as Chariton the Confessor on September 28 and Kyriakos the Hermit on September 29, coinciding with World Rabies Day and World Maritime Day. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orthodox-church-commemorates-saint-chariton-on-september-28 ### 2026-09-21: Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Phocas and Saint Cosmas on September 22 The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Phocas of Sinope, a martyr and patron of sailors, and Saint Cosmas of Zografou on September 22. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-car-free-day-and-greek-air-quality-concerns ### 2026-09-20: Orthodox Church commemorates various saints and prophets in September The Orthodox Church commemorates several figures in late September, including Saint John of Vrachori, Prophet Jonah, and Saint Phocas of Sinope, alongside international observances for peace and Alzheimer's. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/religious-observances-and-international-days-for-september-21 --- Cite as: Orthodox Church religious commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260921-orthodox-church-religious-commemorations