Saint Mark
Apostle and Evangelist
April 25
Spiritual Significance
Saint Mark the Apostle was one of the early followers of Christ and is honoured by the Church as the author of the Gospel of Mark, one of the four Holy Gospels.
He was a companion of the Apostles Peter and Paul and helped spread the message of Christ in many places. According to the tradition of the Church, Saint Mark travelled widely preaching the Gospel and teaching people about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Saint Mark later travelled to Alexandria in Egypt, where he founded one of the first Christian communities there. Through his preaching many people came to believe in Christ, and the Church in Alexandria grew strong.
Because of his faithful witness and missionary work, Saint Mark is honoured as an Apostle and Evangelist. The Church remembers him as one who helped proclaim the Good News of Christ to the world.
Iconography
n icons, Saint Mark is usually shown holding a book or scroll, representing the Gospel that he wrote.
He is often depicted with a winged lion beside him. The lion is the traditional symbol of Saint Mark and represents the beginning of his Gospel, which speaks of the voice crying in the wilderness. The lion also symbolises courage and the power of the Gospel message.
Saint Mark is sometimes shown writing his Gospel, reminding us that through his words the life and teachings of Christ were recorded for the Church.
Through these symbols, the icon reminds us that Saint Mark helped bring the message of Christ to many people and continues to teach the Church through the Gospel he wrote.
Did You Know?
Saint Mark founded the Church in Alexandria in Egypt, which became one of the most important centres of Christianity in the early Church.
Many great teachers and saints later came from the Church of Alexandria, and Saint Mark is remembered as its first bishop.