Saint Mark the Apostle is considered one of the greatest figures in Christian history. He is the evangelist of Egypt and the first Pope of Alexandria, one of the seventy apostles sent by Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel. Mark was born in Tripolis, one of the five western cities in North Africa, to a father named Aristo Paul and a mother named Mary. He was of Jewish origin, and his original name was John, as mentioned in the Bible, but he was nicknamed Mark after his family moved to Jerusalem where he was raised and taught Christian teachings by the Apostle Peter.

Mark’s house in Jerusalem is considered the first Christian church, where the first Passover prayer was held, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them during the Ascension. It was also the place where the disciples hid after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Mark was very close to Apostle Peter, who was married to the cousin of Mark’s father, which made Mark frequently visit Peter’s house and learn Christian teachings from him.

After the departure of Barnabas, Mark, by the command of Jesus Christ, headed to Africa, preaching in Barca and the five western cities, where many believed through his hands. In 61 AD, he arrived in Alexandria, where he founded the Coptic Orthodox Church and began his preaching in Egypt. One of his famous miracles there was healing the shoemaker Enianos’ injured finger by spitting on the wound, which led to the faith of Enianos and his family.

Mark is symbolized by the lion, due to the strength and courage in his Gospel portraying Christ as “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” His Gospel is the oldest of the four Gospels and is an important reference in Christianity.

Mark had a close relationship with the apostles; he began his preaching with Peter in Jerusalem, accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys, then went alone to the five cities and Africa, establishing the See of Alexandria, whose influence extended to Nubia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

The history commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Mark on 30th of Parmouti in 68 AD. He is considered the founder of the Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest apostolic churches in the world.