The St. Barbara Church
It is one of the historical churches in Palestine and stands on a rocky hill about 1 km west of the village of Aboud, northwest of Ramallah. It was situated near the ancient Roman road that connected Jerusalem to Ras al-Ain and is named after Saint Barbara.
The church, dating back to the 6th century AD, originally featured three aisles but is now in ruins, with only its foundations remaining. To the northeast of the church are several caves, including one believed to have been Saint Barbara's dwelling. According to tradition, she lived in this cave before being imprisoned and tortured for converting to Christianity, and a monastery was later named in her honor. The area around the cave is rich in archaeological landmarks, including wells, presses, and the Roman cemetery known as Al-Maqati'. This cemetery contains numerous rock-cut tombs, some adorned with carved entrances and intricate geometric designs reflecting Roman art.
Eastern Christians, particularly those in Aboud, celebrate Saint Barbara's Day annually on December 17. Families prepare a traditional dish called Barbara, made from boiled wheat and various nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and raisins, along with cinnamon, sugar, and coconut. The next day, they share the dish with neighbors and relatives.