St. Barnabas, was born as ‘Joseph’ meaning; son of consolation. He was born to Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi, in Cyprus.  Acts 4: 36 states, “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Consolation) a Levite of the county of Cyprus”. Some versions use the word encouragement instead of the word consolation, and some translate his name as Joses instead of Joseph.

8^th century theologian Saint Bede (673 A.D. – 735 A.D.) wrote, “Wherever the sacred Scriptures gives the names of persons with interpretations, it certainly indicates that a more sacred sense is contained in them.” Thus, Saint Barnabas’ encouragement was well known to the Apostles and believers in the Early Church.

He saw the healing miracle of the infirmed man by Jesus at the pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-15). He then converted, followed Jesus, and became one of the 72 disciples sent out 2 by 2 (Luke 10:2), to preach in Jesus’ name.

He was the cousin of John Mark, the writer of the Gospel According to Mark (Colossians 4:10), and was identified as an Apostle, along with Saint Paul in Acts 14:14. He traveled with Saint Paul throughout Asia Minor and is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cyprian Orthodox Church. Furthermore, he was Martyred in Cyprus in 61 A.D. His feast day is June 11^th in the East and West.

Prayer of Saint Barnabas:

O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the Gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.