FEAST OF ST. BARNABAS 

June 11 is the Feast of St. Barnabas, the first-century disciple of Jesus after whom the parish is named.

St. Barnabas, “son of consolation,” was a first century disciple of Jesus who was a Levite and hailed from the island of Cyprus.  St. Barnabas’ given name was Joseph.  The apostles gave him the name Barnabas after he sold his land and gave the money to assist the church in Jerusalem. According to St. Clement of Alexandria and Eusebius, the early church historian, St. Barnabas was one of the 70 disciples of Jesus.  After Paul’s conversion, St. Barnabas was the first to introduce Paul to the apostles and convince them of Paul’s conversion to Christ (Acts 9:26-30).

While living and preaching in Antioch, God called the two men apart for missionary work. Laying hands on Paul and Barnabas, the Christians in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others, including John Mark (Barnabas' cousin), on Paul’s first missionary journey, which began in Cyprus (Acts 13:1-5). John Mark (author of St. Mark’s gospel) departed from them in Perga. Mark’s abrupt departure would cause great strife between Paul and Barnabas such that they would go their separate ways on the second missionary journey.  Barnabas would travel with Mark back to Cyprus while Paul, traveling with Silas, went to Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:36-41). Eventually, Paul and Mark would reconcile, and Mark would become an important friend to Paul.

Scripture does not give any direct reference to reconciliation between Paul and Barnabas.  However, when Paul mentions Barnabas again, his words are warm and friendly. (See Col 4:10-11 and 2 Tim 4:11)

Barnabas returned to Cyprus where he preached the gospel boldly and is believed to have been the first bishop of the church in Cyprus. Tradition also holds that he preached in Alexandria and Rome. Barnabas is believed to have been martyred around AD 61 by being stoned to death.

In art, St. Barnabas is usually depicted with a scroll or book of St. Matthew’s gospel. It is believed that he would place the gospel on the chest of people who were sick in order to bring healing to them.

O LORD God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost; Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.