Barbarus of Thrace

Holy Martyr Barbarus of Thrace, a soldier, is remembered together with Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius. All lived in the fourth century and served in the army of the emperor Julian the Apostate. Barbarus was a secret Christian. In the war with the Franks he won a single combat against a giant soldier of the enemy, and gained great honour in the army and the emperor's favour, receiving the title of comes, that is, imperial bodyguard.

After the victory the commander Bacchus wished to sacrifice to the pagan gods and gave Barbarus the honour of the first sacrifice, as victor. Barbarus openly confessed himself a Christian and refused. By order of Julian he was tortured: they hung him up and cut his body until his entrails came out. He called the Lord to his aid, an angel healed his wounds without a trace, and at the sight of the miracle Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius believed in Christ and were killed on the spot, by beheading. Barbarus they bound to a wheel, lit a great fire beneath it and poured oil on his body, but the power of God kept him: the fire turned on the tormentors, burned many and killed two. For seven more days they tormented him, still unharmed, and many pagans believed in the true God. In the year 362 he was beheaded with the sword. His body was buried in Methone in the Peloponnese by the pious bishop Philicius.

Saint Barbarus is commemorated on 19 May, in the new style.