Saint Pelagia the Penitent, once a renowned dancer and prostitute in Antioch, experienced a profound conversion after hearing a sermon by Saint Nonnus, Bishop of Edessa. While others turned away from her, Nonnus recognized her potential for spiritual greatness and prayed deeply for her. He later praised her dedication to physical beauty as a rebuke to those who neglected the care of their souls. Moved by his teachings on the Last Judgment, Pelagia returned the next day, weeping in repentance and asking for baptism. Seeing the sincerity of her heart, Nonnus baptized her.

Soon after her baptism, Pelagia rejected her former life completely. When the devil tempted her to return, she resisted through prayer and the sign of the Cross. She then gave away all her riches to the poor at the direction of Bishop Nonnus, who declared that wealth gained by sin could now serve righteousness. Disguising herself as a monk named Pelagius, she withdrew to a life of ascetic solitude on the Mount of Olives, where she attained great spiritual grace. Upon her death, she was buried in the same humble cell where she had lived in holiness.

Troparion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “You were lifted up on the Cross...”)Like a fragrant rose growing among thorns, / you were revealed to the Church by your virtuous deeds / becoming a source of joy for the faithful. / You offered your life as a sweet-smelling fragrance / to Him who made you wondrous. / Entreat Him to deliver us from every passion of soul and body, / O righteous Pelagia.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)You exhausted your body through fasting, vigils, and prayer / earnestly entreating the Creator that you might receive complete forgiveness for your former deeds. / Truly, you received this, O Mother Pelagia, / thereby showing us the way to repentance.

Saint Pelagia with Saint Nonnus