June 11 is the feast of St. Barnabas, the apostle — though not one of the Twelve — who introduced Paul to the apostles at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27) and accompanied him on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). A Levite from Cyprus, born Joseph, he was given the name Barnabas — "son of encouragement" — by the apostles (Acts 4:36). He is named in the Acts as an apostle, and the Church has always honoured him as one.
Barnabas is the patron of Cyprus, and the tradition of the island says that he was martyred at Salamis in 61 AD, stoned by Jews from Syria. His tomb was said to have been revealed in the 5th century to the Archbishop of Constantia, Anthemios, who had dreamed of its location; the Gospel of Matthew, copied in his own hand, was found on his chest. The Monastery of St. Barnabas at Salamis, in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus, still stands over the traditional tomb, though the Greek monks were expelled in 1976.
The Church of Cyprus traces its apostolic origin to Barnabas, and the autocephalous Church of Cyprus — the oldest autocephalous church in the world — claims its independence from Antioch through him. From Cyprus to Milan, where a small relic of the apostle is venerated in the basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, the June 11 feast is kept by the universal Church as a memorial, raised from optional to obligatory in the 1969 reform.
Connected Destinations
Jerusalem
Holy Land · Asia
The holiest city in Christianity, site of Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and the birth of the Church at Pentecost.
Milan
Italy · Europe
Milan holds profound Catholic significance as the seat of Saint Ambrose and Charles Borromeo, featuring the magnificent Duomo where Saint Augustine was baptized.