On this day, June 11 according to the Julian Calendar (June 24 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Apostle Barnabas, one of the Seventy Apostles and a companion of Saint Paul.
The Holy Apostle Barnabas was born on the island of Cyprus into a Jewish family of the tribe of Levi. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, meaning “Son of Encouragement,” because of his great gift of consoling and strengthening the brethren.
Barnabas was one of the earliest and most devoted disciples of Christ. After the Resurrection, he sold his field and laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles, exemplifying the spirit of generosity that characterized the early Church. It was Barnabas who, when the recently converted Saul of Tarsus (Paul) came to Jerusalem and the disciples were afraid of him, vouched for Paul’s sincerity and introduced him to the apostles.
Barnabas became Saint Paul’s close companion on his first missionary journey, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor and preaching Christ in synagogues and to the Gentiles. He participated in the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem, which settled the question of the Gentile mission.
After separating from Paul over the question of Mark, Barnabas continued his missionary work in Cyprus, where he had been born. He founded the Church of Cyprus and is venerated as the patron apostle of the island. He was martyred on Cyprus, stoned to death by opponents of the Gospel, and buried there by his companion Mark.
May the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Barnabas be with us all.