In the 4th century, a confessor of the true teachings of the Church of Christ, the Great Martyr Barbara, a saint whose feast day the Orthodox Church celebrates on December 17, shone forth from the distant city of Iliopol (now Syria). For seventeen centuries her image inspires us, setting an example of true faith and love for God. Prayer to Saint Barbara helps a huge number of believers. What do we know about her earthly life?
Daughter of the pagan Dioscorus
At the time when the future saint was born, the inhabitants of Iliopol, one of the largest cities in Mesopotamia, were buried in the darkness of paganism. Man-made gods were worshiped by both noble citizens and the urban poor. Among the most we althy and respected citizens was a certain Dioscorus. Fate generously rewarded him. He had houses, vineyards and many servants. Only one misfortune visited his house - the beloved wife of Dioscorus died. He grieved deeply for her and found consolation only in his only daughter. It was the future Saint Barbara.
The father dearly loved the child anddid everything in his power to isolate her from the unsightly aspects of life. In addition, he dreamed of marrying Varvara to a rich groom, thus ensuring her happiness and prosperity. Wanting to save the beautiful daughter from prying eyes, and in addition, from possible communication with secret Christians who began to appear in the city, Dioscorus built a castle for her, in which she lived with her maids and educators. The girl could leave it only occasionally, accompanied by her father.
Contemplation of God's creation
She spent long hours of loneliness at the window of her room, immersed in the contemplation of the picturesque nature that surrounded the castle. One day, Saint Barbara wanted to find out from her mentors who created all this magnificence, striking the eye. Her teachers were pagans and therefore the creation of the world was attributed to those wooden and clay gods they worshiped. They also tried to convince the young recluse of this.
But Varvara was not satisfied with this explanation. She objected to them, stating that their deities could not create anything, since they themselves were made by human hands. There must be a supreme Creator, one and all-powerful, having his own being. Only he is able, having created the world, to bring such beauty into it. Thus, she was an example of comprehension of the Creator through his creations.
Marriage proposals
Over time, rich suitors began to visit Dioscorus, who heard about the beauty of his daughter and wished for marriage bonds with her. The father did not want to decide anything without knowing the opinion of his daughter, but, turning toher with such conversations, was met by her resolute refusal to marry anyone. This upset him, but Dioscorus attributed such a decision to his daughter's youth and wayward character.
To give her the opportunity to make acquaintance with other girls and, communicating with them, change her mind, he allowed his daughter to leave the castle whenever she pleased. It was just what Barbara wanted so much. She began to visit the city often, and once, when her father was away for a long time, she met secret Christians who lived in Iliopolis. They told her about the Triune God, about the incarnation of Jesus Christ from the Most Pure Virgin, about his atoning sacrifice, and about many other things that she did not know before. This teaching has sunk deep into her heart.
Baptism of Barbara
After some time, a Christian priest appeared in the city, who, under the guise of a merchant, was heading to Alexandria. At the request of the girl, he performed the sacrament of baptism over her. In addition, he more fully expounded to her the Christian teaching, which Barbara immediately and unconditionally accepted. She made a vow to dedicate her whole life to God.
Wishing to capture the image of the Holy Trinity, she ordered in the new tower, the construction of which, when leaving, her father began, to make not two windows, as planned in the project, but three. When the father, having returned home, asked his daughter about the reason for her act, she, without cunning, told him the doctrine of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Hearing such speeches, the pagan father was so enraged that he rushed at his daughter, drawing his sword. She managed to escape only by flight,hiding in a crevice of the rock, which miraculously parted in front of her.
Dungeon and torment saint
Dioscorus was so blinded by pagan fanaticism that he drowned out all his fatherly feelings in him. By the end of that day, he still managed to catch the fugitive. He handed her over to the ruler of the city, so that he would throw her into prison. The poor girl was in the hands of ruthless executioners. But Barbara did not flinch before them, because in everything she trusted in God's help. At night, when she was praying fervently, the Lord appeared to her, comforting her and giving her hope for soon gaining the Kingdom of Heaven.
Barbara's courage has doubled. Looking at her, one secret Christian openly declared her faith in Christ and expressed her desire to suffer with her. Having accepted the martyr's crown, both of them were beheaded.
Veneration of Saint Barbara in Russia
Three hundred years later, the relics of the Holy Great Martyr were transferred to Constantinople, and in the XII century they ended up in Kyiv. They were brought with her by the daughter of the Byzantine emperor, having married the Russian prince Mikhail Izyaslavich. They are stored there to this day. Since the day of the Baptism of Russia, the Great Martyr Barbara has been revered by us. The saint helps everyone who turns to her with faith. She gives special help to those who ask to be delivered from sudden death and are afraid to leave earthly life without repentance. In addition, Barbara helps in other cases: the saint saves from unexpected misfortune. Since ancient times, it has been noticed that plague epidemics, which often occurred in Russia, always bypassed those temples,in which were her relics. Saint Barbara, whose icon is in almost every Orthodox church, is one of the most revered and beloved saints in our country. Very many, not knowing the history of her earthly life, consider her Russian. By the way, this name itself was very common in Russia in past years.
Many churches and monasteries were erected in the Christian world in her honor. There is a church of St. Barbara in Moscow. She is very ancient. Its creation dates back to the 16th century. It is located not far from the Kremlin, on the street, which is called Varvarka (on behalf of Varvara). This saint in ancient times was considered one of the patrons of trade. Therefore, the place for her church was chosen exactly where there were numerous shopping arcades.
