Saint Nonnus was a 5th-century Christian bishop and monk originally from Egypt. According to hagiographical traditions, he moved to Syria, where he served as a bishop, potentially in Heliopolis or Edessa. He is most widely recognized for his role in the conversion of the famous courtesan Pelagia. By highlighting the contrast between her physical care and the spiritual neglect of the local assembly, he inspired her to repent, leading to her baptism and a life of asceticism.
Life and legend
Tradition describes Nonnus as a virtuous monk from Tabenna who rose to become a bishop. While some accounts place his see in Edessa, others link him to Heliopolis. His most famous deed involved addressing a council in Antioch, where his sermon on the afterlife prompted Pelagia to seek a religious life. Following her conversion, she donated her wealth to the church and lived as a hermit.
Veneration
He is commemorated as a saint within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed on December 2. His legacy is closely tied to the story of Pelagia, whose transformation serves as a central element of the narratives surrounding his ministry in the Levant.