Pelagia the Harlot

   Famous and beautiful fourth-century (or fifth-century?) dancer of Antioch (q.v.) who became a saint. She experienced a sudden conversion to Christianity due to the influence of Bishop (q.v.) Nonnos. Disguised as a eunuch (q.v.), she retired to an obscure grotto on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem (q.v.) where she lived out her days. Only upon her death was the truth discovered. The Menologion of Basil II (qq.v.) refers to her as a harlot, hence the epithet.