Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. Acts 13:1 (New Living Translation) ."

“Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. Acts 13:1 (New Living Translation) ."

 Today is our "Patronal Feast Day," the celebration of the saint after whom our Church is named, that is, St. Barnabas. Barnabas went to live with the Christians in Jerusalem after selling his estate and giving the money to the apostles. He was one of the Fathers of the church in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. Barnabas is said to have been stoned to death by a heathen mob in Cyprus holding a copy of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, written in Hebrew by St. Barnabas himself. Thus, as we celebrate the life of our Patron,  who has inspired mission work in the church throughout the centuries.In England the Feast of St. Barnabas is sometimes known as Barnabee's Day. It is usual in some churches to decorate the altars with garlands of flowers.