St. Barnabas
Patron Saint of Cyprus and Against Hailstorms
We first learn about St. Barnabas in the Acts of the Apostles. Barnabas introduces St. Paul to the apostles after St. Paul’s conversion. He traveled with St. Paul, helping him share the teachings of Jesus with those who were still suspicious of Paul because of his past. One of their first missions together was to Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor. During the Council of Jerusalem, Barnabas was likely with St. Paul, advocating for admitting Gentiles into the Church. Later, Barnabas and Paul went on separate missions, with Barnabas going back to Cyprus to preach. Barnabas was martyred and today is the patron saint of Cyprus as well as many local communities.