Saint · † c. 1444
Mark, Archbishop of Ephesus
Holy Hierarch Mark, Archbishop of Ephesus († c. 1444)
New Calendar January 19 Old Calendar February 1
Why they are a saint
Saint Mark Eugenikes, Archbishop of Ephesus, was a reknown defender of Orthodoxy at the Council of Florence. The Orthodox Church commemorates Hierarch on January 19.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Mark Eugenikos, Archbishop of Ephesus, was a steadfast defender of Orthodoxy at the Council of Florence, where the Byzantine emperor sought Western military help against the advancing Muslims. He would not agree to a union with Rome based on theological compromise and political expediency, answering his opponents from the teaching of the holy Fathers.
When his own delegation pressed him, he replied, 'There can be no compromise in matters of the Orthodox Faith.' He alone of the Orthodox delegation refused to sign the act of union, and on his return he urged the people of Constantinople to reject it. He died admired and honoured by all.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mark as a patron when they bear the name Hierarch at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 19. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Mark, Archbishop of Ephesus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.