Saint Pelagia - 'A Fragrant Rose Growing From Thorns'
Another repost from Costing Not Less Than Everything Saint Nonnos preaching From ‘The Life of St Pelagia the Harlot’ by Jacob the Deacon: “Pelagia was the name given to me by my parents, but the Antiochenes call me Margarita (Pearl), because of the masses of jewellery I had earned through my sins. I used to be the devil’s jewel , and reckoned to be part of his work force.”… On the second day, the devil appeared by night to Pelagia, the handmaid of the Lord, as she was asleep in the cell of her holy mother Romana, and woke her up. “Just answer me this, my lady Margarita,” he said. “Weren’t you plentifully supplied with god and silver? Wasn’t it I who decorated you with gold and precious stones? Tell me, what have I done to upset you? Tell me, so that I can put things right. Don’t make me a laughing stock for these Christians.” Pelagia, the handmaid of the Lord, crossed herself and breathed at the demon. “My God has snatched me out of your very jaws,” she said, “a