Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: January 17

The Holy Great Martyr Barbara lived during the reign of Emperor Maximian (305-311) in Heliopolis, Syria. Her wealthy pagan father, Dioscorus, sought to seclude his extraordinarily beautiful daughter in a tower after his wife's death. From her confinement, Barbara observed the natural world, leading her to question the pagan idols and seek the true Creator. Convinced of the futility of idol worship, she resolved to dedicate her life to God and remain a virgin. Despite her father's attempts to arrange a marriage, she refused all suitors. Eventually, Dioscorus allowed her freedom, during which she met Christian maidens and was secretly baptized by a priest from Alexandria, deepening her commitment to the Triune God.

During her father's absence, Barbara instructed workers building his bathhouse to add a third window, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, and miraculously etched a cross into the marble wall. Upon Dioscorus's return, she confessed her Christian faith, enraging him. He pursued her with a sword, but a hill miraculously opened to conceal her. After being discovered, Dioscorus brutally beat her and handed her over to the prefect Martianus, who subjected her to severe tortures, including being beaten with rawhide and having her wounds rubbed with haircloth. However, Christ Himself appeared to Barbara at night, healing her wounds and strengthening her for further suffering.

Witnessing Barbara's steadfastness, the virtuous Christian Juliana also confessed her faith and joined Barbara in martyrdom. Both women endured prolonged tortures, including being raked with hooks and led naked through the city, until an angel miraculously covered them. Finally, both Saints Barbara and Juliana were beheaded, with Dioscorus himself executing his daughter. Divine retribution swiftly followed, as both Dioscorus and Martianus were struck dead by lightning. Saint Barbara's relics were later transferred to Constantinople and then to Kiev, where they remain. She is venerated on December 4, with many Orthodox Christians chanting her troparion daily, trusting in the Savior's promise that those who remember her sufferings will be preserved from sudden death and depart with the Holy Mysteries.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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