When Emperor Julian the Apostate began a campaign against the Franks, he sent the military commander Vachus, in whose army served the brave warrior Barbarus. Barbarus was a secret Christian. During the battle against the Franks, relying on God’s help, he defeated a mighty enemy and thus inspired the Romans to victory. For his courage, he was honored with the rank of count.
After the victory, Commander Vachus decided to offer sacrifices to the idols and asked Barbarus to take part in the ceremony. The saint refused, openly confessing his Christian faith. Vachus reported the matter to the emperor, who ordered that Barbarus be tortured. However, the saint was miraculously healed from his wounds through the blessing of an angel. Witnessing this miracle, Vachus and two of his soldiers were converted to Christianity, and were subsequently beheaded for their faith.
Barbarus was then subjected to severe tortures. He was tied to a wheel and cast into fire, yet remained unharmed. He was then thrown into a furnace, where he spent seven days without being injured. Afterward, he was confined in a pit filled with poisonous snakes, but he still survived. His torturer, refusing to recognize the power of Christ, ordered further and even harsher torments.
Finally, Saint Barbarus was beheaded, thus completing his great martyrdom for the name of Jesus Christ. His holy body was buried by the pious Bishop Philip in the city of Methoni in Messenia.
