Transfer of the Relics of Saint Barbara

Commemorated on July 11.

In the VI century the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara (December 4) were transferred from Heliopolis to Constantinople, and in the XII century Princess Barbara, the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos (reigned 1081-1118) married the Russian Prince Michael Izyaslavich, bringing with her the relics of Saint Barbara. They remain in the cathedral of the Holy Prince Vladimir (July 15) up to the present day. An Akathist to Saint Barbara is served there every Tuesday.

The hand of Saint Barbara is kept in a special shrine at Saint Michael's Monastery in Kiev, on the left side of the church. The glove covering her hand is changed frequently, then the old glove is cut up and the pieces are distributed to pilgrims.

Troparion

Let us honor the holy martyr Barbara,
for as a bird she escaped the snares of the enemy,
and destroyed them through the help and defense of the Cross.

Kontakion

Singing the praises of the Trinity,
you followed God by enduring suffering;
you renounced the multitude of idols,
O holy martyr Barbara.
In your struggles, you were not frightened by the threats of your torturers, but cried out in a loud voice:
“I worship the Trinity in one God-head.”