In the 3rd century, a daughter was born to a noble pagan named Dioscorus. She was so beautiful that her father built a tower and confined her there, allowing no one but the servants to see her. Observing the world from the windows, the girl began to wonder whose hand had created it. Contemplating nature, she realized there must be one God who created all that exists. When it came time for her to marry, Barbara refused, wishing to preserve her purity. Dioscorus, about to embark on a long journey, allowed his daughter to leave the tower to interact with people, hoping she would change her mind. He also ordered the construction of a bathhouse near their home.

In her father’s absence, Barbara met local Christians and was baptized. Upon his return, Dioscorus inspected the newly built bathhouse and was enraged to find it had three windows instead of two, which were meant to symbolize the sun and the moon. The builders explained that Barbara had instructed them to add the third window. When asked about its purpose, Barbara explained it represented the Triune Light that illuminates every person. According to another version of the legend, the third window was added to the tower itself.

When they entered the bathhouse, Barbara showed her father a cross she had carved into the marble to protect the building from evil forces. Hearing her fervent confession of faith in Christ, Dioscorus flew into a rage and attacked her with a sword. She fled but was captured and handed over to the local ruler. He tried to persuade her to renounce Christianity, but she stood firm. For her defiance, she was publicly stripped and beaten with ox sinews.

Eventually, Barbara was imprisoned, where Christ appeared to her, offering the Eucharist and healing her wounds. She emerged even more beautiful before the ruler and was subjected to further tortures. This time, she was hung on a tree, her body raked with iron claws, and burned with candles. Witnessing her suffering, a local woman named Juliana converted to Christianity and openly supported Barbara. For this, Juliana was hung alongside her. Both women had their breasts cut off. Juliana was thrown back into prison, while Barbara was paraded naked through the city. Finally, both were beheaded. Juliana was executed by a soldier, while Barbara was killed by her own father.

Iconography

Saint Barbara is depicted as a beautiful maiden in luxurious attire, often with her head uncovered and hair loose, symbolizing her unmarried state. A crown may also be present, signifying her status as a great martyr. She is often shown holding a miniature tower with three windows, although it is frequently depicted in the background. Another attribute of Barbara is a chalice, symbolizing her final communion, and a martyr’s cross in her other hand. From the late 17th century, the cross is sometimes replaced or complemented by a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom.

In Ukrainian iconography, Saint Barbara appears as early as the 12th century but became particularly widespread from the early 18th century. Her images were very popular in 19th-century folk iconography, as she was considered a patroness of women and embroiderers. During this period, icons depicting “The Beheading of Saint Barbara,” featuring the martyr’s severed head on a silver platter, were also common. This imagery may have been inspired by similar depictions of the beheaded John the Baptist.

Mykhailo Skop