Saint Barbara of Iliopolis is a great martyr, revered by both the Orthodox and Catholic churches. This saint is depicted on the coats of arms of various cities and on the famous masterpiece of Raphael, The Sistine Madonna. The world famous resort of Santa Barbara is named in honor of the saint.
This is a vivid testimony to the fact that over the centuries Christians turned to Saint Barbara for help, considered her to be their intercessor. A very important moment for which this saint is "responsible" is getting rid of accidental, sudden death, including from terrible diseases, without repentance and performing all the rituals necessary for a religious person.
In the Catholic tradition, Barbara is one of the "fourteen holy helpers" who were prayed for protection from the plague in Europe in the Middle Ages. It is also believed to heal smallpox and measles.
The famous folk wisdom: "Until the thunder breaks out, the man does not cross himself" came to Russia from Spain, and in the original version this proverb says about the great martyr: "When the thunder roars, they immediately remember Saint Barbara", i.e. it is customary to turn to it in the most difficult, critical situations, when only a miracle can save you from tragedy.
In Orthodoxy, Barbara is also the patroness of "women's affairs", her holiday - Barbara's Day - was considered a "woman's". She helps pregnant women, women in labor. It was to this saint in Russia that from time immemorial they prayed that childbirth would be easy. Many Slavic peoples ask this saint to take care of the children and give them health. In a number of countries, Varvarin's Day has become a children's holiday, when it is customary to present neighbors with sweets and wish them all the best.
The icon of St. Barbara is an excellent gift for a religious young mother and her baby, as well as for a woman who is preparing to become a mother: the pregnancy period is quite long, and this saint can always pray for the health of her and her future baby.
This attitude towards Barbara is spreading more widely: in a number of countries she is perceived as the patroness of fertility. According to legend, when Barbara was hiding from her tormentors, wheat grew on her footprints, imprinted on the ground.
In today's realities, it is also customary for Varvara to ask for help in arranging a woman's destiny. When her personal life is not going well, a Christian woman can turn to Barbara. There is also a special prayer of this saint for a successful marriage.
Despite the fact that Barbara suffered terrible torments during her lifetime, it is she who helps to get rid of such a sin as despondency. Christians believe that with the prayer to Saint Barbara one can overcome depression, depression, sadness, apathy.
The Day of Remembrance of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara in Orthodoxy is celebrated on December 17, in Catholicism - on December 4.
