July 11, 2018

Translation of the Relics of Saint Barbara from Constantinople to Kiev

Translation of the Relics of St. Barbara to Kiev (Feast day - July 11)

In the sixth century the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara were transferred to Constantinople. Six hundred years later, they were transferred to Kiev by Barbara, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081-1118), who married the Russian prince Michael Izyaslavich. They rest even now at Saint Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev, where an Akathist to the Saint is served each Tuesday.


The hand of Saint Barbara is kept in a special shrine in the Monastery of Saint Michael in Kiev, on the left side of the church. The glove covering the hand is changed frequently, and pieces are given to pilgrims.