Holy Martyr Barlaam of Caesarea in Cappadocia, who held burning coals in his hand rather than sacrifice.
Saint Barlaam was an elderly Christian of Caesarea in Cappadocia during the persecution of Diocletian. Tradition relates that the governor placed burning coals and incense on his open palm over a pagan altar, hoping he would drop them and appear to sacrifice.
Barlaam held his hand steady until it burned through, and died confessing Christ. Saints Basil the Great and John Chrysostom preached homilies in his honour.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Barlaam of Caesarea is commemorated on November 19. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on December 2 of the civil calendar.
Also commemorated on November 19
Azes and the 150 soldiers
Martyr, Άζης ο Θαυματουργός
Holy Martyr Azes the Wonderworker of Isauria and the 150 soldiers martyred with him.
Anthimos, Thallelaios, Christopher and Euphemia
Martyr, Άνθιμος, Θαλλέλαιος, Χριστόφορος και Ευφημία
Holy Martyrs Anthimos, Thallelaios, Christopher, Euphemia and her children, and Pancharios.
Hilarion the Iberian
Venerable, Ιλαρίων ο Ίβηρ
Venerable Hilarion the Georgian, wonderworker, who reposed in Thessaloniki.
Philaret of Moscow
Hierarch, Φιλάρετος Μόσχας
Saint Philaret Drozdov, Metropolitan of Moscow, theologian and author of the Catechism.
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