Holy Martyr Barlaam (+c. 304)

The holy Martyr Barlaam lived in Antioch of Syria. When the Emperor Diocletian (284–305) began to persecute the Christians, Barlaam, already an old man, was seized too and brought before the tribunal. By the tormentor’s order he was taken into the idol-temple, stood before the pagan altar, and burning coals were placed on the palm of his right hand. The lawless ruler thought that Barlaam would not be able to bear the pain and would drop the coals onto the incense strewn on the altar, and so would offer sacrifice to the idol; but the blessed martyr held the red-hot embers in his hand until his hands were burned through. After this he committed his soul to the Lord (+304).