Apostle
Apostle Barnabas
I век, † ок. 61
Apostle Barnabas (born Joses) — a native of Cyprus from a distinguished Jewish family, the closest co-worker of Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey, founder of the Church of Cyprus; stoned to death by Jews on his native island.
Apostle Barnabas was born on the island of Cyprus into a family of distinguished Jews and was named Joses; the apostles called him Barnabas ("son of encouragement") for his character. He sold his property and gave the proceeds for the needs of the Christian community (Acts 4:36-37). Together with Apostle Paul he undertook the first missionary journey, preaching the Gospel in various countries; in particular, during his stay in Italy he founded an episcopal see in Mediolanum (Milan). He is considered the founder of the Church of Cyprus. Upon returning to his native island, he was martyred by Jews, who stoned him to death. His memory is kept on June 11/24, as well as January 4/17 in the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles.
Icons and images
