The Great Martyr Barbara of Heliopolis | Inspirational Icon Decor| Size: 5 1/4"x4 1/2"

The History of our Church offers many examples of individuals who dedicated their lives to God.  Their stories are different and vary greatly, yet one thread that links them all is their love for God.  They endured whipping, stoning and other forms of torture because of their beliefs. Some were fed to lions while others were beheaded.  Yet even when faced with enormous pressure to deny Christ they stood firm and fearless even unto death.

One such individual named Barbara lived in the city of Heliopolis at the beginning of the third century.  She was a lovely and delightful girl; the daughter of Dioscorus, a wealthy nobleman and pagan.  Barbara was exceedingly beautiful and her father always kept a close watch over her.  In his zeal to protect his young daughter, Dioscorus built a magnificent tower for her to live in to keep her safe.  He spared no expense providing her with every material luxury - the best food; clothing; servants; and teachers.  But he forbade her to have friends or to even speak to anyone without his permission. 

Saint Barbara, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian Greek saint and martyr. Saint Barbara is often portrayed with miniature chains and a tower.