SAINT PELAGIA OF ANTIOCH

Saint Pelagia of Antioch
Saint Pelagia of Antioch

By Edward Matulanya 

Historical Background

Saint Pelagia of Antioch, also known as Pelagia the Penitent, is commemorated by the Catholic Church on October 8 (Farmer, 2011). She lived during the 3rd–4th centuries in Antioch, a major city in early Christian history, now modern-day Antakya, Turkey (Attwater & John, 1995). Pelagia is celebrated primarily for her dramatic conversion from a sinful life to one of extreme piety and asceticism.

Life of Saint Pelagia

Early Life

Pelagia was reputedly a beautiful and wealthy woman, living in luxury in Antioch. According to tradition, she indulged in worldly pleasures, and some accounts describe her as a courtesan, though this characterization may be symbolic, emphasizing her moral transformation (Butler, 1995).

Conversion

The turning point in Pelagia’s life came after hearing a sermon by Bishop Nonnus, which deeply moved her. She experienced profound repentance and resolved to abandon her former life (Farmer, 2011).

Ascetic Life

Following her conversion, Pelagia distributed her wealth to the poor and fled to the desert. She disguised herself as a male hermit and dedicated herself to prayer, fasting, and solitude. Over time, her holiness became renowned, and she lived out her days in complete devotion to God (Attwater & John, 1995).

Death

Saint Pelagia is said to have died peacefully in her hermitage, having achieved spiritual sanctity through her repentance and ascetic practices. Her life serves as a model of the transformative power of sincere repentance (Butler, 1995).

Veneration and Legacy

Saint Pelagia is venerated as a patron of repentant sinners, illustrating that no sin is beyond forgiveness if one turns earnestly to God. Her feast day is celebrated on October 8, and she is honored in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions (Farmer, 2011).

Symbolism

Iconography: Often depicted as a penitent woman wearing hermit robes, holding a cross, and praying in solitude.

Spiritual Lesson: Her story emphasizes that spiritual riches surpass earthly beauty and wealth, and that genuine repentance leads to sanctity.

References

Attwater, D., & John, C. (1995). The Penguin Dictionary of Saints (3rd ed.). Penguin Books.

Butler, A. (1995). Butler’s Lives of the Saints (Revised Edition). Liturgical Press.

Farmer, D. H. (2011). The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (5th ed.). Oxf

ord University Press.

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