Saint Venerable Pelagia of Antioch: A Handcrafted Orthodox Icon
This exquisite wooden Orthodox icon features Saint Venerable Pelagia of Antioch, whose life is a profound testament to God's boundless mercy and the power of radical repentance. Reproduced from a devout original of the late 19th century, this icon invites the faithful to contemplate the journey from a life of sin to a life of holiness.
The Story of Transformation and Repentance
Saint Pelagia was born in Antioch and, before her conversion, was known for her frivolous and worldly life. Blessed with great beauty, she adorned herself in luxurious clothes and jewels, earning her the nickname "Margarita," or "Pearl," from her admirers.
Her conversion was set in motion by a divine encounter with Saint Nonnus, a bishop known for his wisdom and righteous life. Witnessing Pelagia's vain parade, Saint Nonnus did not condemn her but instead was moved to reflect on his own spiritual state. He told his fellow bishops, “She made it her goal to please people... How many hours did she spend to appear beautiful in the eyes of her admirers? At the Last Judgment, the Lord will condemn us with her, for we, having an immortal Bridegroom in Heaven, neglect our souls.”
Convicted by these words and drawn by an unseen force, Pelagia attended the Divine Liturgy the following Sunday. The service and a sermon on the Last Judgment pierced her heart. In despair over her sins, which she felt were "more numerous than the sand of the sea," she came to Saint Nonnus. The wise bishop comforted her, baptized her, and guided her to distribute all her wealth to the poor.
A Life of Ultimate Sacrifice
Embracing her new life in Christ, Pelagia departed for Jerusalem, dressed in men's monastic garb to dedicate herself wholly to God. She settled in a cell on the Mount of Olives, where she lived in extreme asceticism, prayer, and repentance. For years, everyone knew her as the monk Pelagius, a eunuch renowned for holiness. Only upon her death around 457 AD was her true identity as a woman revealed, astonishing all who witnessed her life.
This Icon as a Spiritual Inspiration
This wooden icon of Saint Venerable Pelagia serves as a powerful reminder for every Orthodox Christian:
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The Depth of God's Mercy: No sin is too great for God's forgiveness.
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The Call to Repentance: It inspires us to turn away from worldly passions and toward Christ.
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The Courage of Asceticism: Her life exemplifies the ultimate commitment to spiritual struggle.
May this sacred image of Saint Pelagia inspire you to a deeper faith, sincere repentance, and a steadfast love for God. A perfect addition to your home icon corner, it encourages prayer and reflection on the transformative grace available to all who seek it.
🖼 Product Features
• Printed on durable MDF wood panel
• Mineral pigment inks for long-lasting color
• Sealed with protective beeswax finish
• Ready to hang — includes mounted metal hook
• Handmade by Orthodox Christian artisans
• Lightweight yet solid: board thickness is 1.6 cm (0.6")
📏 Available Sizes
• 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)
🎁 Perfect for
• Orthodox Christian gifts
• Spiritual housewarming gifts
• Prayer corners and devotional altars
• Baptisms, name days, and feast days
🌍 Ships worldwide with secure packaging
Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen in Portugal.
We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.
