Saint Apostle Barnabas.
- Born
- 1st century · Salamis, Roman Cyprus
- Fell asleep
- 61
- Feast day
- June 11 (New) · June 24 (Old)
Get a reminder on the feast in Orthodox Daily Companion → - Country
- Cyprus
The life of St. Apostle Barnabas About Apostle
Barnabas
Apostle Barnabas, also known as Saint Barnabas, was an early Christian disciple and one of the prominent Christian leaders in the first century. A companion of the Apostle Paul, Barnabas played a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church.
Early years
Barnabas was born in Cyprus to Jewish parents and was initially named Joseph. He was a Levite, a member of the tribe of Levi, responsible for the temple's duties and services. Barnabas became a follower of Jesus Christ shortly after Christ's resurrection and ascension, and it was the apostles who gave him the name "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36).
In the Church
Was Barnabas an apostle?
Barnabas is most renowned for his missionary journeys alongside the Apostle Paul. He played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, venturing beyond the Jewish communities to preach to the Gentiles. His missionary journeys took him to numerous regions, including Cyprus, Antioch, and various parts of Asia Minor.
Barnabas was also instrumental in introducing Paul, then a recent convert from persecutor to follower of Christ, to the other apostles in Jerusalem. He recognized Paul's zeal and dedication, which played a crucial role in Paul's acceptance among the apostles and his future ministry.
Later years
Tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus by stoning around 61 AD. His feast day is celebrated on June 11 in the Orthodox Church.
Legacy and veneration
Apostle Barnabas is revered for his dedication to spreading the Gospel, his encouraging spirit, and his significant contribution to the growth of the early Church. His life serves as an example of steadfast faith, generous service, and fearless proclamation of Christ's teachings.
Those interested in learning more about the life and works of Orthodox Saints are invited to explore our collection here. Discover the inspiring journey of a saint whose faith and courage helped shape Christianity's early days.
Veneration of St. Apostle Barnabas How the saint's
memory is kept.
- Where are the relics of Apostle Barnabas
- The relics of the Apostle Barnabas, a prominent figure in early Christianity and a companion of the Apostle Paul, are believed to be located in Cyprus. According to tradition, after his martyrdom, Barnabas was buried secretly by his followers. In the 5th century, his relics were reportedly discovered after a dream revealed their location to the Archbishop of Constantia (modern-day Famagusta) in Cyprus. Following the discovery, a monastery, the Monastery of St. Barnabas, was established near Famagusta at the site of his tomb. The relics were placed in the monastery, where they remained for many centuries. However, in the late medieval period, it's believed that some of Barnabas's relics were taken to Constantinople and then later to Milan, Italy. Today, the Church of St. Barnabas in Milan claims to possess some of these relics. Meanwhile, the Monastery of St. Barnabas in Cyprus continues to be an important pilgrimage site for those venerating the apostle.
Frequently asked Questions about
St. Apostle Barnabas.
- When is the feast day of St. Apostle Barnabas?
- The Church commemorates St. Apostle Barnabas on June 11. Parishes that keep the Old (Julian) Calendar celebrate the same feast on June 24 of the civil calendar.
- Where are the relics of St. Apostle Barnabas?
- The relics of the Apostle Barnabas, a prominent figure in early Christianity and a companion of the Apostle Paul, are believed to be located in Cyprus. According to tradition, after his martyrdom, Barnabas was buried secretly by his followers. In the 5th century, his relics were reportedly discovered after a dream revealed their location to the Archbishop of Constantia (modern-day Famagusta) in Cyprus. Following the discovery, a monastery, the Monastery of St. Barnabas, was established near Famagusta at the site of his tomb. The relics were placed in the monastery, where they remained for many centuries. However, in the late medieval period, it's believed that some of Barnabas's relics were taken to Constantinople and then later to Milan, Italy. Today, the Church of St. Barnabas in Milan claims to possess some of these relics. Meanwhile, the Monastery of St. Barnabas in Cyprus continues to be an important pilgrimage site for those venerating the apostle.
Carry the tradition with you.
Hand-finished icons, books, and calendars to carry the Orthodox day into your home.
More saints of Cyprus.
Read a life like this
every morning.
Meet the daily saints through Orthodox Daily Companion on iPhone and Android, or through the Lives of the Saints web app in any modern browser.
Orthodox Daily Companion
The native app for iPhone, iPad, and Android, with daily prayer reminders and a private journal.
Lives of the Saints Web App
The browser experience for desktop, tablet, or phone, with a seven-day trial of the complete devotional library.
Open the web appGet a life like this one on every new tab - free, no account, from the same catalogue.
More from the tradition.
Read the Journal
Essays on feasts, fasting, and the rhythm of the Church year.
ExploreOrthodox countries
How the faith is lived and kept across the Christian world.
ExploreThe 2027 Calendar
A saint, a reading, and the day's fasting guideline for every day of 2027.
ExploreMobile & web apps
Carry the daily rhythm on iPhone and Android or continue in the web app.
Explore