Barbarus the Soldier

Holy Martyr Barbarus the Soldier was a Christian soldier of the fourth century who suffered in the time of the Emperor Julian the Apostate, together with Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius. His body was buried at Methoni in the Peloponnese.

Barbarus was a Christian in secret. In a war with the Franks he defeated a mighty enemy soldier in single combat and received great honour in the army, with the title of comes, that is, imperial bodyguard. After the victory, the commander Bacchus wished to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods and, to honour the victor, gave him the privilege of offering first. Barbarus then openly confessed that he was a Christian and refused the sacrifice.

By Julian's order he was subjected to many torments: he was hung up and torn, and an angel of God healed his wounds without a trace. Seeing the miracle, the commander Bacchus and two soldiers, Callimachus and Dionysius, believed in Christ and renounced the pagan gods; for this they were beheaded at once. Barbarus was bound to a wheel and a fire was lit beneath it, and oil was sprinkled on him, but the power of God kept him unharmed; the fire burned many of the torturers, two of them fatally. Tormented for seven more days, he remained uninjured, and many pagans were brought to the faith. At last, in the year 362, he was beheaded by the sword. His body was buried in the city of Methoni in the Peloponnese by the pious Bishop Philicius.

The saint is commemorated on 6 May by the old calendar.