UK December 4: The Day of the Great Martyr Barbara and the Venerable John of Damascus
According to the New Julian Calendar (New Style), which the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) adheres to, on December 4, the faithful commemorate two great saints: the Great Martyr Barbara and the Venerable John of Damascus. This day combines the remembrance of the martyric feat of the early Church with the flourishing of theological thought.
1. The Great Martyr Barbara: Protector from Sudden Death
The Great Martyr Barbara lived in the 3rd century in the city of Heliopolis (the territory of modern Syria).
The Story of the Saint
Barbara was born into the family of a wealthy pagan named Dioscorus. To shelter his daughter from the world and unwanted contact, her father confined her to a high tower. In this isolation, Barbara dedicated herself to studying the world and, reflecting on its harmony, came to believe in the One God.
When her father allowed her to meet with tutors, she secretly received baptism.
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Symbol of Faith: According to tradition, Barbara ordered a third window to be cut into her tower, so there would be three — in honour of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
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Martyrdom: Upon learning of his daughter's baptism, Dioscorus subjected her to cruel tortures and then personally beheaded her. Immediately afterward, Dioscorus and the ruling tormentor were struck by lightning as punishment for their wickedness.
Veneration and Significance
The Great Martyr Barbara is one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox world. She is particularly invoked for:
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Protection from sudden death without repentance and communion.
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Assistance during severe illnesses.
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Intercession for the mining industry (she is considered the patron saint of miners).
2. The Venerable John of Damascus: Hymnographer and Defender of Icons
The Venerable John of Damascus (c. 675 – c. 749 AD) is one of the greatest theologians, philosophers, and hymnographers of the 8th century.
Life and Works
John was born in Damascus to a noble Christian family and received an excellent education. He served at the Caliph's court but later left his secular career and retired to the Lavra of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified near Jerusalem, where he became a monk.
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Theologian: He is the author of the main systematic work of Eastern theology — "The Fountain of Knowledge" (Fount of Knowledge), in which he expounded the dogmas of the Church.
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Defender of Icons: John of Damascus was one of the principal fighters against the iconoclastic heresy. Thanks to his "Three Apologetic Treatises against Those who Attack the Holy Images," the veneration of icons was defended and subsequently restored.
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Hymnographer: He is credited with writing numerous canons, stichera, and troparia that are still used in church services today.
The Miracle of the Hand
The most famous miracle associated with John: when the Caliph falsely accused him of treason and ordered his right hand to be severed, John fervently prayed before an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. At night, the Theotokos appeared to him and miraculously healed the severed hand. In memory of this miracle, John attached a silver plate in the shape of a hand to the icon, which is why it is known as the "Three-Handed Theotokos" (Troeruchitsa).
3. Folk Traditions of the Day (in Ukraine)
In folk tradition, the day of the Great Martyr Barbara was often regarded as the start of the true winter cycle.
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Women's Work: Winter needlework began on Varvara's Day. It was believed that one should definitely embroider something beautiful on this day, so that "Barbara would bless" the work.
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Divination and Charms: On the eve of the holiday, girls would cut branches from cherry or other fruit trees and place them in water. If the branches bloomed before Christmas (December 25), it predicted an early and happy marriage.
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Anticipation of Nicholas: Varvara's Day served as a kind of preparation for one of the main winter holidays — the Day of Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated two days later, on December 6.
