Commemorated on November 19
The Holy Martyr Barlaam lived in Antioch of Syria. During Diocletian’s persecution against Christians, the aged St Barlaam was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed himself a Christian.
The judge, wanting to compel the saint to renounce Christ, ordered that St Barlaam be brought to the pagan altar. His right hand was placed over it, and a red-hot censer burning with incense was put into his hand. The torturer thought that a physically weak old man could not endure the pain and would drop it on the altar. In this way he would involuntarily be offering sacrifice to the idol. However, the saint held on to the censer until his hand fell off. After this, the holy Martyr Barlaam surrendered his soul to the Lord.
The judge, wanting to compel the saint to renounce Christ, ordered that St Barlaam be brought to the pagan altar. His right hand was placed over it, and a red-hot censer burning with incense was put into his hand. The torturer thought that a physically weak old man could not endure the pain and would drop it on the altar. In this way he would involuntarily be offering sacrifice to the idol. However, the saint held on to the censer until his hand fell off. After this, the holy Martyr Barlaam surrendered his soul to the Lord.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Barlaam, O Lord, / Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / And shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Troparion — Tone 4
Armed with youthful fervor, / you endured martyrdom in old age and glorified Christ. / You offered Him your right hand as a whole burnt offering / and your holy soul as a blameless sacrifice. / Intercede that all may be granted forgiveness, Great-martyr Barlaam.
Kontakion — Tone 3
Though weak with old age you vanquished the evil one, / in your mighty contest, O Barlaam. / You endured the rack like one without a body, / and steadfastly endured the burning of your hand. / Therefore, God the Word has crowned you with a crown of glory.
