E02572: John Chrysostom, in his homily On *Barlaam (martyr of Antioch, S00417), delivered during a festival of the saint at a shrine of martyrs in Antioch (Syria), recounts the story of the martyr. Written in Greek, probably at Antioch, 386/397.

John Chrysostom, On Barlaam (CPG 4361; BGH 222)

Summary:

1. This day is the feast of Barlaam. The true honour to the martyrs is to imitate them. Although it is not a persecution, martyrdom is still possible. Christians can still resist demons and passions. Barlaam kept his right hand firm over the fire, as if he had been a statue.

2. A great persecution takes place, and martyrs are killed in manifold ways. Barlaam is taken out of prison, after a long time of incarceration, and he is made to stretch his hand over an altar. They place into his hand burning coals and frankincense, so that he may be forced to drop them onto the altar, and thus appear to be offering a sacrifice. The martyr stands still, as if made of iron.

3. His hand was eventually turned, but this was not a sign of defeat, because it was caused by the burning of his flesh, and not by the breaking of his determination. Barlaam became at the same time an altar, a victim, and a priest offering his own body as sacrifice. We should not claim that he offered just his hand, because there is no way of measuring the magnitude of a martyr's torments.

4. We should imitate the martyrs, and this is why this assembly is taking place by their tombs. The tombs of the martyrs are like a military tent, and their warlike activity can be seen when possessed people are brought to their shrine. There is a war against the devil, and the saints are like heroes buried with their weapons. The Christians should admire the martyrs and avoid luxury.

Summary: Efthymios Rizos.