Orthodox icon | Saint Great Martyr Barbara | 24758

Orthodox icon | Saint Great Martyr Barbara | 24758.

Saint Barbara, who resided in Heliopolis in the Hellespont (modern-day Asia Minor), lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Maximian (284-305). Born to a wealthy pagan named Dioscorus, she was an only child and was cherished by her father who saw her immense beauty as his pride and joy.

When Dioscorus had to embark on a long journey, he opted to protect his precious daughter by confining her and her attendants to the top floor of a tower in his palace. This was done to shield her from the prying eyes of men. Surrounded by luxurious comfort and given a broad pagan education, she seemingly had everything she could desire.

However, Barbara was called upon by the Lord Himself. Guided by His teachings, she discovered true faith in the Holy Trinity, the one God in Three Persons. From that point forward, she forsook all superficial pleasures and distractions to devoutly focus on her divine beloved, Christ.

The Saint is often depicted wearing a robe intricately adorned with bead embroidery and silver wire, and a crown jeweled with precious stones. Some of these features have been restored and added to over time, maintaining the integrity of her representation.

Saint Barbara’s story serves as a testament to the power of divine guidance. It highlights the possibility of finding true faith even in the most unlikely circumstances. She is venerated as a symbol of strength and commitment to one’s faith, even amidst a life of privilege and luxury.

Source: Orthodox icon | Saint Great Martyr Barbara | 24758 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de