Saint Barbara the Great Martyr
15 St. Barbara the Great Martyr
December 4
St. Barbara was born about the middle of
the third century in Eliopolis of Egypt, of
wealthy parents. She was distinguished for
her beauty and her intelligence as well as
for her modesty and her wisdom. She was
taught the Christian faith by a devout
Christian woman and was baptized without
the knowledge of her father, Dioscoros, who
was a fanatic idolater.
When her father learned of her baptism,
he ordered that she be confined to her quar -
ters. However, with the help of a faithful
servant, St. Barbara succeeded in escaping
and took refuge in a nearby forest, where
she hid in caves. Dioscoros managed to find
her and with new threats tried to force her
back to idolatry.
Because this attempt failed, he himself,
reported her to the Prefect Mareianus who
delivered her to the torturers. Before her
father's eyes, she was subjected to severe
tortures; she endured them though with
wonderful patience. Finally Marcianus or -
dered that she be beheaded. St. Barbara was
beheaded by her own father. This is where
fanaticism leads.
~Special People~
Special people are those
Who have the ability to share
Their lives with others.
They are honest in word and deed,
They are sincere and compassionate,
And they always make sure that
Love is part of everything.
Special people are those who have the ability
To give to others
And to help them with changes
That come their way.
They are not afraid
Of being vulnerable;
They believe in their uniqueness
And are proud to be who they are.
Special people are those who
Allow themselves the pleasures
Of being close to others
And caring about their happiness
They have come to understand
That love is what makes
The difference in life
Special people are those who
Truly make life beautiful.