Today marks the feast of Saint Barnabas, the founder and patron saint of the Church of Cyprus, a figure deeply embedded in both the spiritual and national identity of the island. His legacy has been honoured in Cyprus since the first Christian centuries, shortly after his martyrdom in Salamis, around AD 57–61.
A Cypriot by birth and an Apostle by calling
According to the New Testament book of Acts and Church tradition, Barnabas was a Jew of the Levite tribe, born in Salamis, one of the most prominent ancient cities in Cyprus. His original name was Joseph, but he was renamed Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement” or “comforter” (Acts 4:36), by the Apostles themselves- a nod to his generous spirit and commitment to early Christian mission.
He travelled extensively with St Paul, including on the first missionary journey, and played a vital role in introducing Paul to the early Church after his conversion. Yet unlike many of the early Christian figures, Barnabas’s Cypriot heritage made him especially beloved on the island.
Martyrdom and the rediscovery of his tomb
According to tradition, Barnabas was martyred in Salamis by Jewish opponents of the Gospel. His tomb remained hidden until AD 488, when it was miraculously rediscovered- with a copy of the Gospel of Matthew placed on his chest, a detail believed to have been divinely orchestrated.
This discovery was a turning point for the Saint Barnabas Church of Cyprus. It strengthened the Church of Cyprus’s claim to apostolic origins and led Emperor Zeno and the Third Ecumenical Council to formally recognise the Church as autocephalous- that is, fully self-governing.
The significance of Cyprus’s autocephaly
Following the discovery of Barnabas’s relics, the Emperor granted symbolic privileges to the Archbishop of Cyprus:
- the right to wear a red cloak,
- the use of a sceptre instead of a pastoral staff,
- and the signature in red ink, privileges still honoured today.
These rights underscore the Church’s independence from other patriarchates, and its right to self-administer its liturgy, theology, and governance. This autonomy allowed it to survive and adapt through centuries of Ottoman and British rule, often taking on a quasi-national role as an ethnarchic authority, defending the Greek-Christian heritage of Cyprus in times of foreign domination.
The church and monastery of Saint Barnabas
In the 4th century, under Archbishop Anthemios, a basilica was built over the site of Barnabas’ martyrdom, now known as the Monastery of Saint Barnabas, located in the occupied area of Famagusta. Though now inaccessible to many, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and identity for Cypriots.
A legacy still honoured
The annual feast day of Saint Barnabas is celebrated on 11 June, as recorded in early martyrologies. For Cypriots, it is more than a religious commemoration, it is a celebration of the enduring link between faith, culture, and independence.
Saint Barnabas is not only a founding apostle but a national symbol. His story continues to inspire generations, reminding Cypriots of their spiritual heritage, their resilience, and their right to self-determination- both ecclesiastically and nationally.
Also read: Cyprus celebrates Kataklysmos: flood, faith, and festivity
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