About
St. Mark the Evangelist
The life, martyrdom, and iconography of our patron saint.
Mark was originally from Cyrene of Pentapolis, near Libya. He came to faith in Christ through the Apostle Peter and accompanied him to Rome, where — at Peter's encouragement and at the request of the Roman Christians — he composed his Gospel in Greek, the second Gospel of the New Testament.
Mark later traveled to Egypt, where he pioneered Christian missionary work and established the Church in Alexandria. The local pagan population opposed his preaching; they bound him with ropes and dragged him through the streets until he gave up his soul, around 68 AD.
In iconography, Mark is depicted with a lion beside him — a reference to one of Ezekiel's living creatures, representing the royal authority of Christ, according to St. Irenaeus of Lyons.
Apolytikion (Third Tone)
O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.