Mark is depicted in iconography with a winged lion

Mark, on a 16th century Russian gospel

Mark the Evangelist (Markus) (1st century) is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, drawing much of his material from Peter. He is often identified with the John, surnamed Mark that accompanied Paul and Barnabas in the first journey of Paul, but was left behind (and Barnabas stayed too) for the second, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. He is also believed to be the first pope of Alexandria by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church. Image from the Book of Cerne. ... Image from the Book of Cerne. ... Iconography is the study and interpretation of images in art. ... Image File history File links Evangelist Mark Illumination from a 16th century gospel. ... Image File history File links Evangelist Mark Illumination from a 16th century gospel. ... (1st century BC - 1st century - 2nd century - other centuries) The 1st century was that century which lasted from 1 to 100. ... Jump to: navigation, search The Gospel of Mark is traditionally the second of the New Testament Gospels. ... Jump to: navigation, search Saint Peter, also known as Peter, Simon ben Jonah/BarJonah, Simon Peter, Cephas and Kepha—original name Simon or Simeon (Acts 15:14)—was one of the twelve original disciples or apostles of Jesus. ... Jump to: navigation, search An early portrait of the Apostle Paul. ... Jump to: navigation, search Barnabas was an early Christian mentioned in the New Testament. ... Jump to: navigation, search The Acts of the Apostles, (Greek Praxeis Apostolon) is a book of the Bible, which now stands fifth in the New Testament. ... Jump to: navigation, search The pope is the Catholic Bishop and patriarch of Rome, and head of the Catholic Church. ... Jump to: navigation, search Antiquity and modernity stand cheek-by-jowl in Egypts chief Mediterranean seaport Located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Alexandria (in Arabic, الإسكندرية, transliterated al-ʼIskandariyyah) is the chief seaport in Egypt, and that countrys second largest city, and the capital of the Al Iskandariyah governate. ... Jump to: navigation, search The Vladimir Icon, one of the most venerated of Orthodox Christian icons of Mary. ... Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ...

Life of Mark

The New Testament sources for the life of John Mark are slender and need interpreting. The John Mark in Acts (12:12, 25; 15:37) mentioned as John (13:5, 13) and as Mark (15:39) is surely the Mark mentioned by Paul (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy, 4:11; Philemon, 24) and by the author of 1 Peter 5:13. Mark of the Pauline Epistles was the cousin (anepsios) of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), to whom Mark of Acts seems to have been bound by some special tie (Acts 15:37, 39). Mark's mother was a prominent member of the earliest group of Christians in Jerusalem; it was to her house that Peter turned on his release from prison; the house was approached by a porch (pulon), there was a slave girl (paidiske) to open the door, and the house was a meeting-place for the brethren, "many" of whom were praying there the night St. Peter arrived from prison (Acts 12:12-13). Jump to: navigation, search The New Testament, sometimes called the Greek Testament or Greek Scriptures is the name given to the part of the Christian Bible that was written after the birth of Jesus. ... The Epistle to the Colossians is a book of the Bible New Testament. ... This article or section should be merged with First Epistle to Timothy The Second Epistle to Timothy is a book of the canonic New Testament, one of the three so-called pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and the Epistle to Titus). ... The Epistle to Philemon is a book of the Bible in the New Testament. ... (Redirected from 1 Peter) In Christianity, the First Epistle of Peter is a book of the New Testament. ... Jump to: navigation, search Barnabas was an early Christian mentioned in the New Testament. ...

(text based on N.T. sources)

A further report of Mark as the amanuensis of Peter and the Secret Gospel of Mark is given in a letter of Clement of Alexandria (died ca 211 - 216), transcribed into a printed book in the monastery of Mar Saba, south of Jerusalem. In it Clement states Jump to: navigation, search The Secret Gospel of Mark refers to a previously unsuspected gospel mentioned in a letter that presents itself as written by Clement of Alexandria. ... Clement of Alexandria (Titus Flavius Clemens), was the first member of the Church of Alexandria to be more than a name, and one of its most distinguished teachers. ...

As for Mark, then, during Peter's stay in Rome he wrote an account of the Lord's doings [cf., praxeis], not, however, declaring all of them, nor yet hinting at the secret ones, but selecting what he thought most useful for increasing the faith of those who were being instructed. But when Peter died a martyr, Mark came over to Alexandria, bringing both his own notes and those of Peter, from which he transferred to his former book the things suitable to whatever makes for progress toward knowledge. Thus he composed a more spiritual Gospel for the use of those who were being perfected. Nevertheless, he yet did not divulge the things not to be uttered, nor did he write down the hierophantic teaching of the Lord, but to the stories already written he added yet others and, moreover, brought in certain sayings of which he knew the interpretation would, as a mystagogue, lead the hearers into the innermost sanctuary of that truth hidden by seven veils. Thus, in sum, he prepared matters, neither grudgingly nor incautiously, in my opinion, and, dying, he left his composition to the church in Alexandria, where it even yet is most carefully guarded, being read only to those who are being initiated into the great mysteries.

Legendary details

10th-century Byzantine illumination from the Trebizond Gospel.

An extensive and satisfyingly circumstantial account of Mark's life was written by Severus, Bishop of Al-Ushmunain, in the 10th century. According to this account, Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, who was cousin to Peter's wife. Mark was one of the servants at the wedding feast at Cana who poured out the water that Jesus turned to wine. This is Jesus' first public miracle, however it is not related in the Gospel of Mark. Mark was one of the Seventy Apostles sent out by Christ; he was the servant who carried water to the house of Simon the Cyrenian, where the Last Supper took place; and Mark was the one who hosted the disciples in his house after the death of Jesus, and into whose house the resurrected Jesus Christ came, although all the doors were shut. Jump to: navigation, search Image File history File links Trapezunt_gospel. ... Jump to: navigation, search Image File history File links Trapezunt_gospel. ... Jump to: navigation, search Illumination representing Mark the Evangelist. ... Jump to: navigation, search Barnabas was an early Christian mentioned in the New Testament. ... In the Christian New Testament, the Gospel of John refers a number of times to a town called Cana of Galilee. ... Jump to: navigation, search Jesus (Greek: Ιησούς, Iēsoûs), also known as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity, most of whose adherents worship him as the messiah (Greek: Χριστός Khristós) and as God incarnate. ... Jump to: navigation, search A glass of red wine Wine is an alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting grapes or grape juice. ... Jump to: navigation, search According to many religions, a miracle, derived from the old Latin word miraculum meaning something wonderful, is a striking interposition of divine intervention by God in the universe by which the operations of the ordinary course of Nature are overruled, suspended, or modified. ... The Seventy of the Gospel of Luke 10:1 – 20, though not literally named apostles, were followers that Jesus appointed and sent away (the Greek verb form apostello, not the noun form apostolos). ... This article relates the event related in the New Testament of the Bible, see The Last Supper (disambiguation) for other uses, including a list of famous works of art with this name. ...

The following details are also based on Severus' account, and need corroboration before they are accepted as more than 10th century pious legend: He eventually went to Alexandria and was the first to preach the Gospel there. He is said to have performed many miracles, and established a church there, appointing a bishop, three priests, and seven deacons. Jump to: navigation, search Antiquity and modernity stand cheek-by-jowl in Egypts chief Mediterranean seaport Located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Alexandria (in Arabic, الإسكندرية, transliterated al-ʼIskandariyyah) is the chief seaport in Egypt, and that countrys second largest city, and the capital of the Al Iskandariyah governate. ... A bishop is an ordained member of the Christian clergy who, in certain Christian churches, holds a position of authority. ... Jump to: navigation, search Roman Catholic priest LCDR Allen R. Kuss (USN) aboard USS Enterprise A priest or priestess is a holy man or woman who takes an officiating role in worship of any religion, with the distinguishing characteristic of offering sacrifices. ... Jump to: navigation, search Deacon is a role in the Christian Church which is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. ...

Mark is considered by this writer to have founded the School of Alexandria, a school that encouraged studies in science, philosophy, music, math and language embraced by the early Coptic Christians, who believe such disciplines are not contrary to religion, but lead believers to a true spiritual life. The pagan Library and Musaeum are ignored. In modern English usage, the word Copt refers to Christian natives of Egypt, in particular members of the Coptic Orthodox Church. ...

When Mark returned to Alexandria, the people there are said to have resented his efforts to turn them away from the worship of their traditional Egyptian gods. In 68 A.D. they killed him, and tried to burn his body. Afterwards, the Christians in Alexandria removed his unburned body from the ashes, wrapped it and then buried it in the easterly part of the church they had built. His remains, except for the head, were later stolen and taken to Venice (see below). Jump to: navigation, search Antiquity and modernity stand cheek-by-jowl in Egypts chief Mediterranean seaport Located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Alexandria (in Arabic, الإسكندرية, transliterated al-ʼIskandariyyah) is the chief seaport in Egypt, and that countrys second largest city, and the capital of the Al Iskandariyah governate. ...

Representations in Western art

"The Lion of St Mark" by Vittore Carpaccio depicts St Mark as a lion in front of the city of Venice.

Mark is frequently depicted in Western art, especially Medieval and Renaissance art. Like the other 3 evangelists, he is often shown holding a book with the text Pax tibi Marce evangelista meus (Latin for "Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist"), but his special attribute is the winged lion. Download high resolution version (1422x522, 140 KB)The Lion of St Mark by Vittore Carpaccio This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Download high resolution version (1422x522, 140 KB)The Lion of St Mark by Vittore Carpaccio This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Categories: Stub | Venetian painters ... Jump to: navigation, search Location within Italy Venice (Italian: Venezia), the city of canals, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, 45°26′ N 12°19′ E, population 271,663 (census estimate 2004-01-01). ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Jump to: navigation, search By region Italian Renaissance Northern Renaissance French Renaissance German Renaissance English Renaissance The Renaissance, also known as Il Rinascimento (in Italian), was an influential cultural movement which brought about a period of scientific revolution and artistic transformation, at the dawn of modern European history. ...

As the patron saint of Venice, he was a particular favorite of Venetian artists and their patrons, and paintings of his life and miracles are a feature of some of the greatest Venetian art. His lion is ubiquitous throughout Venice. In several forms of Christianity, but especially in Roman Catholicism, a patron saint has special affinity for a trade or group. ... Jump to: navigation, search Location within Italy Venice (Italian: Venezia), the city of canals, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, 45°26′ N 12°19′ E, population 271,663 (census estimate 2004-01-01). ...

Relics

In 828 relics believed to be the body of St. Mark were stolen by Italian sailors and were removed from Alexandria to Venice in Italy. A basilica was built there to house the relics. Events Egbert became first King of England Alcamo was founded by the Muslim commander al-Kamuk. ... Jump to: navigation, search Antiquity and modernity stand cheek-by-jowl in Egypts chief Mediterranean seaport Located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Alexandria (in Arabic, الإسكندرية, transliterated al-ʼIskandariyyah) is the chief seaport in Egypt, and that countrys second largest city, and the capital of the Al Iskandariyah governate. ... Jump to: navigation, search Location within Italy Venice (Italian: Venezia), the city of canals, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, 45°26′ N 12°19′ E, population 271,663 (census estimate 2004-01-01). ... San Marco in the evening St Marks Basilica (Italian: Basilica di San Marco in Venezia) is the most famous of the churches of Venice and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. ...

Copts believed that the head of the saint remained in Alexandria. Every year, on the 30th day of the month of Babah, the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates the commemoration of the consecration of the church of St. Mark, and the appearance of the head of the saint in the city of Alexandria.

Inside St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, where the saint's head is preserved.

In 1094, during the construction of a new basilica in Venice, St. Mark's relics could not be found. However, it is said that "the saint himself revealed the location of his remains … by extending an arm from a pillar" [1]. The newfound remains were placed in a sarcophagus in the basilica. St Mark Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... St Mark Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Jump to: navigation, search Events May - the siege of Valencia ends November 27 - Urban II in Clermont Synod proclaims crusade Duncan III of Scotland succeeds Duncan II of Scotland as King of Scotland The first mention of the city of Zagreb, Croatia, as it became a bishopric see. ...

In June 1968 the Alexandrian Pope Cyril VI sent an official delegation to Rome to receive a relic of St. Mark from Pope Paul VI. The relic was said to be a small piece of bone that had been given to the Roman pope by Giovanni Cardinal Urbani, Patriarch of Venice [2]. Pope Paul in an address to the delegation said that the rest of the relics of the saint remained in Venice [3]. Jump to: navigation, search 1968 was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... St Kyrellos VI, 116th Pope of Alexandria: A man of prayer, who held daily masses and had his door open to everyone His Holiness Pope Cyril (Kyrellos) VI of Alexandria, born Azer Ioseph Atta (August 2, 1902 – March 9, 1971), was Coptic Orthodox Pope from 1959 to 1971. ... Pope Paul VI (Latin: ), born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini (September 26, 1897 – August 6, 1978), reigned as Pope and as sovereign of Vatican City from 1963 to 1978. ... Giovanni Cardinal Urbani (26 March 1900 - 17 September 1969) was an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and the Patriarch of Venice from 1958 until his death. ... Among the Patriarchates in the West, the Pope, as Bishop of Rome is the only truly independent Patriarch. ...

The delegation from Alexandria consisted of ten metropolitans and bishops, seven of whom were Coptic and three Ethiopian, and three prominent Coptic lay leaders. The delegation received the relic on June 22, 1968. The next day, the delegation celebrated a pontifical liturgy in the church of St. Athanasius the Apostolic in Rome. The metropolitans, bishops, and priests of the delegation all served in the liturgy. Members of the Roman papal delegation, Copts who lived in Rome, newspaper and news agency reporters, and many foreign dignitaries attended the liturgy.

Pope Cyril VI receiving the relic of St. Mark in Cairo airport.

On June 25, the Coptic Church celebrated the inauguration of a new St. Mark Cathedral in Dair El-Anba Rowais (also known as Dair El-Khandaq) in Egypt. Jump to: navigation, search Image File history File links PopeKyrillosVIreceivingStMarkRelics1968. ... Jump to: navigation, search Image File history File links PopeKyrillosVIreceivingStMarkRelics1968. ...

For this occasion and for the return of the relic, a great religious celebration was organized. The celebration was headed by Pope Cyril and was attended by Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and many of the heads of different religions and representatives of churches, including Mari Ignatius Yacoub the Third, the Antiochian Patriarch for the Syrian Orthodox. Jump to: navigation, search Nasser on Time magazine, 1958 Gamal Abdel Nasser (Arabic: جمال عبد الناصر) ‎ (January 15, 1918 – September 28, 1970) was the second President of Egypt after Muhammad Naguib and is considered one of the most important Arab leaders in history. ... Haile Selassie Haile Selassie (Power of Trinity) (July 23, 1892 – August 27, 1975) was the last Emperor (1930–1936; 1941–1974) of Ethiopia, and is a religious symbol in the Rastafarian movement. ... The Syriac Orthodox Church is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church based in the Middle East with members spread throughout the world. ...

See also

• St Mark's Basilica
• Four Evangelists

San Marco in the evening St Marks Basilica (Italian: Basilica di San Marco in Venezia) is the most famous of the churches of Venice and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. ... Jump to: navigation, search The symbols of the four Evangelists are here depicted in the Book of Kells The Four Evangelists are the four followers of Jesus to whom are ascribed the writings forming the four Gospels of the New Testament: the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. ...

External links

• St. Mark's detailed biography by H.H. Pope Shenouda III
• St. Mark the Apostle, Evangelist, and Preacher of the Christian Faith in Africa
• History of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt which was founded by Saint Mark
• The return of St. Mark Relics from Italy (June 1968 - zipped RealVideo)
• St. Mark's New Cathedral, Abbassyia, Cairo, Egypt (inaugurated in 1968)
• Catholic Encyclopedia, 1908