Apostle · 1st century
Barnabas
Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy
New Calendar June 11 Old Calendar June 24
Why they are a saint
Barnabas was companion of Paul on the first missionary journey; a Levite of Cyprus, called 'son of encouragement' in Acts. The years given for this life are 1st century. His name is kept with the apostles of the Twelve or of the Seventy. The New Calendar feast is June 11.
Life
Saint Barnabas, named Joseph at birth, was born on Cyprus into the tribe of Levi and was educated at Jerusalem under Gamaliel together with Saul, the future Apostle Paul. He believed in Christ and was numbered among the Seventy; the Apostles called him Barnabas, 'son of consolation'. He sold his land and laid the money at the Apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37).
He brought the newly converted Saul to the Apostles, and later fetched him from Tarsus to Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. Sent out with Paul by the Holy Spirit, he preached in Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, and took part in the Council of Jerusalem. Afterwards he and Paul separated, and Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus.
Returning to Cyprus after preaching elsewhere, he was stoned by pagans stirred up against him, about the year 62. Mark buried him in a cave with the Gospel of Matthew, copied in his own hand, on his breast. Later, after the saint appeared in a dream to Archbishop Anthimus, his relics were found with the Gospel, and the Church of Cyprus was recognized as apostolic in origin.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Barnabas as a patron when they bear the name Barnabas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 11. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Barnabas, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.