Photograph: Lynn Marie Heying

Saint Barnabas Orthodox Church began quite humbly in the middle 1980’s as a “home fellowship” or “house church”. It was part of a group of over 100 “home fellowships” across the country formed by men who had left “Campus Crusade For Christ” in search of the "phantom church" of the New Testament!. As these men studied church history they discovered the historic church of the first millennium and decided to model after it. Eventually they realized the New Testament Church still existed and it was the Eastern Orthodox Church! This began a ten-year quest to become identified with this Church, finally leading to the historic reception of Saint Barnabas, along with 2,000 members of the other fellowships, into the canonical Orthodox Church through the Antiochian Patriarchate in 1987. The story of our journey was recounted in the book, "Becoming Orthodox" by Fr Peter Gillquist.

Our Patron Saint

The holy Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, was born on the island of Cyprus into the family of the tribe of Levi, and named Joseph. He received his education at Jerusalem, being raised with his friend and fellow student Saul (the future Apostle Paul) under Gamaliel, the renowned teacher of the Law. Joseph was devout, frequented the Temple, strictly observed the fasts and avoided youthful distractions. During this time our Lord Jesus Christ began His public ministry. Seeing the Lord and hearing His Divine Words, Joseph believed in Him as the Messiah. Filled with ardent love for the Savior, he followed Him. The Lord chose him to be one of His Seventy Apostles. The other Apostles called him “Barnabas”, which means "son of encouragement" After the Ascension of the Lord to Heaven, Barnabas sold land belonging to him near Jerusalem and brought the money to the feet of the Apostles, leaving nothing for himself (Acts 4:36-37). He was the sponsor of and frequent companion of Saint Paul in his ministry. We chose Saint Barnabas as our community's patron, because we are committed to being an encouragement to a world in need of spiritual encouragement!

Our Bishop

His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, serves as the Bishop of the Holy Diocese of Los Angeles and the West in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. His Grace Bishop JOSEPH is the spiritual father to our clergy and to all the faithful in the West Coast Diocese. He is much beloved by the parishioners of Saint Barnabas, especially by our children, youth and young adults. His Grace comes from Syria and was raised from his youth in an Orthodox Christian monastery before pursuing higher education in philosophy, languages and music. Before being assigned to the North American West Coast Chancery, His Grace served in Syria, London, and Cyprus.

To hear an audio interview with H.G. Bishop JOSEPH click here...

Our Clergy

The V. Reverend Father Wayne E. Wilson (Sr. Pastor), Lynn and Peter came into the Orthodox Church along with 2,000 other Evangelicals in 1987. Fr. Wayne is the founding pastor of Saint Barnabas Orthodox Church, one of the fastest-growing parishes in the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America. Fr Wayne came to Christ during “the Jesus Movement” of the 1960’s and served as a staff member with Campus Crusade For Christ. In addition to serving the parish community, Fr. Wayne also actively serves as Police Chaplain for the City of Fountain Valley, California. Fr Wayne loves serving as spiritual father to his community, reading (especially about Orthodox spirituality), foreign and independent films (recent favorite: “Ostrov”). One of his “great moments” was his pilgrimage to the holy mountain of Mount Athos in northern Greece. Ask him to tell you about the “monk that glowed!”

The V. Reverend Father Michael Reagan, Diane and Sean also entered the Orthodox Church when the “Evangelical Orthodox” group was catechized and brought into canonical Orthodoxy in 1987. Fr Michael and Diane are avid campers -survivalists who love the wilderness surrounding southern California. The colder and wetter, the better! Along with serving behind the altar, Fr Michael teaches catechism classes (along with Fr Wayne) and often speaks on Evangelical-Orthodox subjects.

Dn. Rick Billings and Nancy have served with Fr Wayne and Fr Michael over 20 years. Dn. Rick is a marketing consultant in his own business and Nancy is a public school teacher. They have three boys and one (much-loved) granddaughter!

Dn. Thomas and Wendy Braun have also served at St Barnabas parish community over 20 years! Dn. Tom is the owner of a civil engineering company in southern California and a financial seminar speaker, geared to Orthodox Christians. Wendy is a choir member and chanter. They have three children.

Dn. Charles and Lorraine Lehman have also served the parish since its reception into the canonical Orthodox Church in 1987. Dn Charles works for the Los Angeles Public Defender’s office as a para-legal in advocacy for the mentally ill. Lorraine is a public school teacher with an emphasis on children with special needs. Lorraine is a choir member and a reader. They have two children.

Our Parish Council

Father Wayne Wilson - Sr. Pastor

Scot Larsen – President

Rick Fogle – Vice President

Michael Dullaart – Secretary

Colleen Allen – Treasurer

Parish Programs and Ministries

St. Barnabas Orthodox Church is an active parish with many programs and ministries that reach those within our own parish as well as those in the community in general. We strive to make the Orthodox Christian faith a living, viable faith for all. Some of these include:

Soup Kitchen

On the 3rd Wednesday of every month we serve a hot meal to those in need. Here in Orange County, CA there are approximately 18,600 homeless. Over 25% are children - half of those are under 18 years old, and half of those are under the age of 5 years. Since December 15, 1999 we have served over 3,000 people and over 4,500 meals. Contacts: Lynn Wilson; Colleen Allen.

Monthly Food Drive

We collect food, clothing, and other items for the Beach Cities Inter-Faith Ministry program. The items collect help feed, clothe and support families in need, and homeless individuals. Contact: Cybil Whittamore.

The Men's Group

The Men's Group meets once a month to have dinner and hear a guest speaker. It's a great time for men of all ages to learn, pray and have fellowship with one another. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Women’s Group

The Women of St. Barnabas Orthodox Church have an active role in the parish, serving many needs of the church. From providing meals to those that are ill, to organizing fundraisers that benefit outreach programs and clergy retirement funds, to attending retreats together, the women's group provides a great opportunity for the women of the parish to fellowship together. Contact: Wendy Braun.

The Teen Group (SOYO)

Our teen group is active in many different facets of church life. The youth regularly participate in local outreach programs to the community, enjoy social activities together, and support the church through organizing and participating in vigils, Bible studies, and more.. Contact: Rick Fogle.

The Kid’s Club

The newly formed Kid’s Club provides an opportunity for the younger children in the church to get together and play, while the mothers get an opportunity to get together for social time. Participating kids range from pre-school to elementary school age. Contact: Sara Plew.

Church school program

The Mission of the Church School Department of St. Barnabas Orthodox Church is to foster the love of God in our children/youth from K – 12TH grades. Sunday school classes are held each Sunday at 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Contact: Marilyn Juroe (K - 8); Fr Wayne (High School)