Barlaam

Saint Barlaam lived in Syrian Antioch and suffered in the time of the persecution of Diocletian (284-305). Already elderly, he was seized and brought to trial. By order of the persecutor he was taken to the idol temple, set before the pagan altar and live coals were placed on his right palm. The judge thought Barlaam could not bear the pain and would throw the embers onto the incense on the altar and thus offer sacrifice to the idol. But the blessed martyr held his hand over the glowing coals until his hands were burned. After that he gave his soul to the Lord, in the year 304. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 19 November (old style; 2 December new style).