Saint Pelagia the Penitent

Hand painted icon of Saint Pelagia, made in Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.

Saint Pelagia, the former courtesan, also known as Pelagia of Antioch, Pelagia the Penitent, and Pelagia the Harlot, hailed from Antioch and was renowned as a famous actress, mime and dancer during the era of Saint John Chrysostom. She led a sinful life, and her stage name, "Margarita," derived from the pearl jewelry she received as gifts from her admirers. However, after being deeply moved by a powerful sermon delivered by Bishop Nonnus, she experienced profound repentance. She sold her possessions, distributed the proceeds to the poor and was baptized as a Christian. Subsequently, she renounced her worldly life, disguised herself as a man under the name Pelagios and withdrew to a men’s monastery in Jerusalem to live a life of asceticism. She adhered to a strict ascetic lifestyle until her death, at which point her true identity as a woman was revealed. The Church recognized her as a Saint and her feast day is celebrated on October 8th.