Using mathematical modeling, an explicit form is found for the Jones matrix of a segment of a single-mode optical fiber with random inhomogeneities, whose length is considerably greater than the correlation length of random inhomogeneities. It is shown that parameters of this matrix are of a statistical nature, A rational representation of the matrix is proposed. It is shown that, under certain conditions, one of the matrix parameters may be treated as constant, whereas the other parameter is assumed to be continuously distributed on the interval [0, 2 pi].As the latter parameter is changed, which corresponds to a change from one random realization of inhomogeneities in a single-mode fiber to another, the ellipticity and the azimuth of the major axis of the polarization ellipse of natural polarization modes of a single-mode fiber simultaneously change. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".