Apostle · 1st century
Mark
Apostle and Evangelist Mark
New Calendar April 25 Old Calendar May 8
Why they are a saint
Mark was author of the second Gospel; companion of Peter and Paul; traditionally first bishop of Alexandria. The years given for this life are 1st century. The faithful remember the apostles as the foundation of the Church's preaching. The New Calendar feast is April 25.
Life
Saint Mark, also called John Mark, was one of the Seventy Apostles and a nephew of Saint Barnabas. He was born in Jerusalem; the house of his mother Mary, beside the Garden of Gethsemane, was a gathering place for the Christians and a lodging for some of the Apostles.
He was a close companion of the Apostles Peter, Paul and Barnabas, travelled with Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus, and went to Rome with Peter, who calls him his son. In Rome he wrote his Gospel, around 62-63. From there he travelled to Egypt, founded the Church there, and started a Christian school in Alexandria.
The pagans seized him while he was serving the Liturgy, dragged him through the streets and threw him into prison, where the Lord appeared to strengthen him. The next day, as they dragged him again, he died saying, 'Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.' This was on April 4, 63. A church was built over his relics in 310, and in 820 they were taken to Venice and placed in the church named for him.
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 Mark at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 25. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Mark, 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.