Orthodox saint
St Mark the Apostle
St Mark the Apostle and Evangelist, founder of the Church of Alexandria
Άγιος Μάρκος ο Απόστολος και Ευαγγελιστής · Апо́столъ и Еѵⷢ҇ли́стъ Ма́ркъ · Апостол и евангелист Марк
St Mark the Apostle is remembered on 25 April, or after Pascha when it falls before it (8 May on the Old Calendar). Orthodox Christians pray to St Mark the Apostle for forgiveness of sins, help and strength in our weaknesses and deliverance from every sorrow, sin and trouble.
Feast days
- Feast
- Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark
- Kept on
- 25 April, or after Pascha when it falls before it (8 May on the Old Calendar)
- Next, New Calendar
- Next, Old Calendar
The New Calendar is kept by the Greek, Antiochian, Romanian and Bulgarian churches, the OCA and most converts; the Old Calendar by the Russian, Serbian and Georgian churches, Jerusalem and Mount Athos, 13 days later on the civil calendar.
The life of St Mark the Apostle
St Mark, also called John Mark, was born in Jerusalem. His mother Mary's house near Gethsemane became a gathering place for the apostles. He was a nephew of Barnabas and a close companion of Peter and Paul. He traveled with them to Cyprus and Rome, and St Peter called him "my son." In Rome he wrote his Gospel, a concise record of Peter's preaching that shows forth the power of Christ. He then went to Egypt, founded the Church of Alexandria and its famous catechetical school, and composed a Liturgy for its faithful. The pagans seized him while he was serving and dragged him through the streets. He died saying, "Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." In icons he is shown with a lion, a sign of Christ's royal might. Orthodox Christians ask his prayers for forgiveness of sins and for strength in their weakness.
What the faithful ask of St Mark the Apostle
The faithful pray for
- forgiveness of sins
- help and strength in our weaknesses
- deliverance from every sorrow, sin and trouble
- his strong intercession and protection
- remembrance of our heavenly calling and a Christian end of life
St Mark the Apostle protects
- the faithful in their weakness
- from sorrows and troubles
- the Church against those who would plunder God's inheritance
Patron of
- the Church of Alexandria and Egypt
- Coptic Christians
- Venice (Western)
- lawyers (Western)
Miracles
In Alexandria he healed the injured hand of the cobbler Ananias, who was baptized with his household and later became bishop.
When the pagans tried to burn his body after his martyrdom, darkness fell, thunder crashed, and the earth shook, and the Christians buried him in peace.
Where the traditions differ
Patronage of Venice, lawyers and barristers is Western. In the East he is above all the founder of the Church of Alexandria and patron of Egypt and the Copts. Russian sources give no specific trade patronage.
St Mark the Apostle: icons and items in our shop
Our diptych pairs St Mark the Apostle with the Guardian Angel: the patron saint and the angel given at baptism, side by side in one folding icon.
Have it consecrated by our priest before it reaches you — Consecration, $49.
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Our priest can serve a moleben to St Mark the Apostle for the people and the need you name.
Name days
These names keep their name day on a feast of St Mark the Apostle:
Related saints
Questions
When is the feast day of St Mark the Apostle?
Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark: 25 April, or after Pascha when it falls before it (8 May on the Old Calendar).
What do Orthodox Christians pray to St Mark the Apostle for?
Orthodox Christians pray to St Mark the Apostle for forgiveness of sins, help and strength in our weaknesses, deliverance from every sorrow, sin and trouble, his strong intercession and protection and remembrance of our heavenly calling and a Christian end of life.
What is St Mark the Apostle the patron saint of?
St Mark the Apostle is the patron of the Church of Alexandria and Egypt, Coptic Christians, Venice (Western) and lawyers (Western).
What does St Mark the Apostle protect from?
St Mark the Apostle protects the faithful in their weakness, from sorrows and troubles and the Church against those who would plunder God's inheritance.
Whose name day is on a feast of St Mark the Apostle?
The name day of Mark, Markos, Marko and Marco.
Sources
- OCA - Apostle and Evangelist Mark (read 14 October 2026)
- Azbyka - Апостол и евангелист Марк (read 14 October 2026)
- Wikipedia - Mark the Evangelist (patronage) (read 14 October 2026)