April 25, 2044: The Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist

Mark was the son of a Christian named Mary, whose home in Jerusalem became the place of gatherings for Christians (Acts 12:12). He was also a relative of Barnabas, the Cypriot levite. He had both a Jewish name, “John” and a Roman name, “Mark”. He traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, in order to preach the gospel. He then continued on to Cyprus, Asia Minor and Pamphiia where he left Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. Later on he again accompanied Barnabas. We find him with Paul, who was imprisoned at Rome, and with Peter, who called him “Mark, my son.” He transcribed the preaching of Peter at Rome into Greek around the year 65. The establishment of the Church of Alexandria is attributed to him as is evident from its title, “The preaching of Mark.” The various accounts of his life agree that he was martyred at Alexandria on Easter Day around the year 70, the pagans seized him, put a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets of the city all day.

May his prayers be with us.

Amen.

From the synaxarion of the Prayer of the Faithful, Maronite Divine Office.