Feast of Saint Barnabas – June 11

"There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet". Barnabas is mentioned in a parallel with Ananias and Sapphira, the two lying disciples in Jerusalem, who bring death into the community in Jerusalem because of their lie (see Acts 5:1-11). The fidelity of Barnabas stands against the treason of Ananias and Sapphira from Jerusalem.

Barnabas was later sent to Antioch and was overjoyed to discover the new reality of a mixed community of Jews and Gentiles. It was he who went to bring Saul from Tarsus to Antioch to lead the community. Later, he accompanied Paul (named thus in Cyprus) on the first journey that brought the Gospel to Cyprus and into Asia Minor. He accompanied Paul to Jerusalem for the council that would provide for the integration of the Gentiles into the Church. After the Council, Barnabas and Paul separated, each one going his own way.

According to one tradition, Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus, where he was buried. His tomb at Salamis is revered by pilgrims.