A priest from Heliopolis from Alexandria, disguised as a merchant. Learning of this, Barbara sent for him. He secretly instructed her in the knowledge of the One Almighty God, the Creator of All Things, and in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus Barbara attained what her heart had ardently desired for so long. After teaching her the mysteries of the holy faith, the priest baptized her in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then departed for his own country. Saint Barbara's heart burned even hotter with love for God after she was enlightened by Baptism. She exercised herself continually in prayer, and fasting, laboring for her Lord, to Whom she betrothed herself, vowing to preserve her virginity undefiled.

During the reign of the impious pagan Roman emperor Maximian, there lived in the East, near Heliopolis, a wealthy, renowned nobleman named Dioscoros, by ancestry and faith a Hellene (Greek). He had a daughter named Barbara, his only child, over whom he kept watch as the apple of his eye. The maiden was exceedingly beautiful, and no girl or woman in the country could compare with her.

The Holy Prophet Habakkuk belonged to the Tribe of Simeon. He was born in the kingdom of Judah and was the son of Asaphat. Because of his virtuous life, God granted him the gift of prophecy, and he foretold the conquest of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the enslavement of the Jews. When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Chaldea, attacked Jerusalem, Habakkuk fled to the land of Ishmaelites. After capturing the city, Nebuchadnezzar returned to his own land. Habakkuk then went back to Judah and became a farmer.

Prayer is a universal phenomenon, the fundamental and inseparable element of every religion and every personal piety...The believer not only believes that the infinite and invisible God exists, but that He also reveals Himself to people. It is through this revelation (apocalypse) of God that it becomes possible for man to have a personal communion with God.

Do you fast?

Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eyes and the ears and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ears fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.

The Mystery (Sacrament) of Repentance is a grace-giving rite in which, after the faithful offer repentance of their sins, the remission of sins is bestowed by the mercy of God through the intermediary of a pastor (priest) of the Church, in accordance with the Savior's promise.