Bishop
The Apostle Barnabas was born in Cyprus to a wealthy Jewish family. He studied and completed his education in Jerusalem. He became a disciple of Christ and followed Him during His earthly life. After the Lord’s Ascension, he sold the land he owned and gave the earnings to the apostles. He supported Apostle Paul in Jerusalem when the other disciples hesitated. He preached in Antioch and was among the first to be called Christians.
Saint Barnabas, together with Apostle Paul, travelled around the world, teaching the word of the Gospel in various places, including Cyprus. After enduring many persecutions and following disagreements with Paul, Barnabas continued his preaching, reaching as far as Rome and establishing a new diocese in Milan.
He was stoned and cast into the fire by pagans, yet his body was found incorrupt. He was buried by Saint Mark.
Saint Barnabas fell asleep in the Lord around the year 62 AD. His relics were discovered in 448, an event that led to the recognition of the Church of Cyprus as Apostolic.
