Saint Barlaam of Antioch

Barlaam was a simple laborer from a village near Antioch, in present-day Turkey, arrested for his faith around 304 during the persecution of Diocletian. He was beaten and tortured but would not offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. According to tradition, the judge forced him to hold burning coals and incense in his open hand over an idol's altar, hoping the pain would make him drop the incense as an offering. Barlaam kept his hand still until it burned, refusing even a gesture of idolatry, and died a martyr.

Saint Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom both preached sermons in his honor, holding up a poor, uneducated man as a model of strong faith.