Saint Pelagia is commemorated today

Today marks the feast day of Saint Pelagia the Penitent. Originally from Antioch, she was known for her great physical beauty, which she initially used to pursue a life of sin and wealth through immorality.

Following a sermon by Bishop Non at the Church of Saint Julian, Pelagia experienced a profound spiritual awakening regarding the Last Judgment. She sought baptism from Bishop Non and was sponsored by the deaconess Romana. To atone for her past, she donated her wealth to the poor and traveled to Jerusalem. There, she lived as a monk named Pelagius on the Mount of Olives, dedicating herself to prayer, fasting, and vigil. She passed away around 461 AD.