Holy Martyr Barbarus

Life

Barbarus was a soldier in the time of Julian the Apostate. When the emperor's general Bacchus led the Roman army against the Franks, in that army was Barbarus, a secret Christian. On the battlefield there appeared a certain champion from the side of the Franks, resembling the ancient Goliath, who challenged the Romans to send someone out to fight him in single combat. General Bacchus counseled Barbarus to go out. Barbarus prayed in his heart to the living Lord, went out, and defeated that giant. At this the Frankish army was thrown into confusion and fled. Then the general arranged a great celebration and ordered that sacrifices be offered to the idols. But during this sacrifice the general learned that Barbarus was keeping himself apart. When he asked him about this, Barbarus declared that he was a Christian. The general reported this to the emperor, and the emperor ordered that Barbarus be subjected to the most severe torments. But Barbarus endured everything with rare courage and composure. During his torture many miracles were manifested, and many soldiers seeing this accepted the faith of Christ. Among them was the general Bacchus himself, together with Callimachus and Dionysius. All three of them were beheaded for the name of Christ, and after them Barbarus also, in the year 362. Their souls departed to the kingdom of Christ the immortal King.