Religious holiday on June 11: Feast of Saints Bartholomew and Barnabas
On June 11, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saints Bartholomew and Barnabas. This day is dedicated to the first preachers of Christianity, who actively spread the Gospel and strengthened the faith, and later suffered a martyr’s death for their beliefs.
Religious holidays and their history
Memorial Day of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas
On June 11, Orthodox believers commemorate the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, who lived in the first century and were among the first disciples of the Savior. The Apostle Bartholomew was one of the twelve closest disciples of Christ. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, he preached Christianity in Asia Minor, India, and Armenia, where, through his fervent faith and numerous healings, he converted thousands of people but met a martyr’s death at the hands of pagans.
The Apostle Barnabas was among the seventy disciples of the Lord. Born in Cyprus, he later became a faithful companion of the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys and is considered the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. For his devotion to Christ and uncompromising preaching, Barnabas was stoned to death by Jews and pagans on his native island. Both saints have become symbols of unwavering courage and self-sacrificing service.
Prayers of the Day
O holy intercessors of God, glorious Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas! You laid down your lives for the faith of Christ and spread the light of truth throughout the earth. Hear our sincere prayer today and implore the All-Merciful God to strengthen us in faith, grant peace to our country, and protect us from all evil and from visible and invisible enemies. Intercede for our souls for the forgiveness of sins, healing from infirmities, and grace, so that with a pure heart we may glorify the Lord all the days of our lives.
Amen
Folk Beliefs and Omens
Our ancestors believed that the omens of this day could predict what the weather would be like in the future:
- If fog spreads over the water in the morning, the weather will be sunny and dry in the coming days.
- If the air feels stifling at sunrise, a heavy downpour will begin in the afternoon.
- Loud and frequent cuckoo calls portend a prolonged warm spell without prolonged rains.
- If the bees do not fly out of their hives in the morning—expect a sudden change in the weather and bad weather.
- This day was considered very important for reconciliation, so our ancestors tried to avoid any quarrels and conflicts within the family.
Holiday on June 10: The UK celebrates Monarch’s Day.
Holiday on June 10: Ballpoint Pen Day, the story of a simple invention that made life easier.
