Saint of the Day – 2 December – Saint Nonnus of Edessa (Died late 5th Century) Bishop, Deacon and Monk. St Nonnus attended the Council of Chalcedon in 451 and tbere his fame and his preaching became renowned most especially due to the conversion of St Pelagis. Also known as – Nennos, Ninos, Nono, Nonnos.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Edessa, St Nonnus, Bishop, by whose prayers the penitent Pelagia, was converted to Christ.”
The Vita of St Pelagia states that Nonnus was “a perfect Monk” from Tabenna in Egypt who, “by reason of his virtuous life” became the Bishop of Edessa in Syria, converting “all its nhabitants” and Baptising 30 000 locals. The Monks of Ramsgate place his See at Edessa.
As Nonnus addressed a Church Council in Antioch, the town’s most famous courtesan Margarita (Pearl or Pelaia) passed by. Observing her beauty, Nonnus chastised the members of the assembly for taking less care of their souls than she did of her body. She appeared at his next Sunday sermon and Nonnus’ sermon on hell prompted her to repent.] She wrote him a letter and was permitted to see him with witnesses who were convinced of her sincerity. Nonnus heard her Confession and Baptided her with her birth name Pelagia.
After being pursued by the devil for a few days, she donated the property from her former employment to the Church and lived with the Deaconess Romana, before departing for Jerusalem to disguise herself as a male Hermit under the name Pelagius.
St Pelagia’s Feast Day is 8 October: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-st-pelagia-the-penitent-fourth-or-fifth-century/
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