Martyr
Barbarus the Soldier
Martyrs Barbarus the Soldier, and together with him Bacchus, Callimachus and Dionysius in Morea († c. 362)
New Calendar May 6 Old Calendar May 19
Why they are a saint
He was a soldier in the Roman army during the reign of Julian the Apostate. Like many soldiers, he was a secret Christian, serving under the Imperial commander Bacchus when his troops battled the Franks. A mighty Frankish soldier, like Goliath, challenged the Romans to send one of their company out to do single combat with him.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Barbarus the Soldier as a patron when they bear the name Barbarus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 6. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Barbarus the Soldier, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.