Saint Mark
| Saint Mark | |
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| Saint | Saint Mark the Evangelist |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | 1st century AD |
| Birthplace | Cyrene, Libya (Roman Province of Africa) |
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| Deathdate | c. 68 AD |
| Death Place | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (dragged through streets) |
| Notable Location 1 | Alexandria, Egypt (where he founded the See) |
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| Beatification Date | Not formally beatified |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes (traditional recognition) |
| Canonization Date | Not formally canonized |
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| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | April 25 (Western Christianity), September 8 (Coptic Orthodox Church) |
| Profession | Evangelist, Missionary, Bishop |
| Religious Affiliation | Early Christian Church |
| Patronage | Venice, notaries, lawyers, prisoners, barristers, glaziers, painters, and scribes |
| Attributes | Winged lion, book or scroll, pen |
| Primary Shrine | St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy |
| Additional Veneration | Coptic Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches |
Saint Mark the Evangelist, traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Mark, is one of the Four Evangelists in Christian tradition. Born in Cyrene, Libya, he became a disciple of Jesus and later a companion of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Mark is credited with founding the Church in Alexandria, where he served as its first bishop. His Gospel is noted for its vivid narrative style, particularly in depicting Jesus's miracles and passion. Mark's martyrdom in Alexandria, where he was supposedly dragged through the streets by horses, marks him as one of the early Christian martyrs. His relics were later moved to Venice, where he is one of the city's patron saints, symbolized by the winged lion, which also represents the power of the Evangelist's Gospel.
Biography
Birth
Mark was born in the 1st century AD in Cyrene, which was part of the Roman Province of Africa (modern-day Libya).
Early Life
Details of his early life are sparse, but he is traditionally linked to Jerusalem, where his mother's house was used by early Christians for gatherings.
Occupation
He was an evangelist, spreading the Christian message, and later served as the first Bishop of Alexandria.
Vocation
Mark's vocation was multifaceted; he traveled with Paul and Barnabas, wrote his Gospel, and established the Christian community in Alexandria.
Death
Mark met his end through martyrdom around 68 AD in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was dragged through the streets, symbolizing his ultimate sacrifice for the faith.
Significant events
- Accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
- Authored the Gospel of Mark, believed to be the first written Gospel.
- Founded the Christian Church in Alexandria, becoming its first bishop.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
Mark's recognition as a saint was traditional, based on his apostolic work and martyrdom.
Venerable
Not applicable as this title was formalized later.
Beatification
Not formally beatified; his sanctity was recognized through historical veneration.
Canonization
He is traditionally recognized as a saint without a formal canonization process.
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for his canonization as his sanctity was based on his martyrdom and Gospel:
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
- His Gospel and its spread are sometimes considered miraculous in terms of influence.
Patronage
Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice, notaries, lawyers, prisoners, barristers, glaziers, painters, and scribes, reflecting his roles as an evangelist and scribe.
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on April 25 in Western Christianity and on September 8 in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Veneration
Mark is venerated across various Christian denominations, with his relics in Venice drawing pilgrims. His symbol, the winged lion, is emblematic in Venice, featured in art, architecture, and the city's iconography. His life and works continue to be studied, with his feast days marked by special liturgical celebrations.
Books
Written about the saint
- Numerous theological and historical works discuss Mark's life, his Gospel, and his role in early Christianity.
Written by the saint
- The Gospel According to Mark, part of the New Testament.
External links
- Catholic Online - Saint Mark
- Wikipedia - Mark the Evangelist
- [No specific links for his shrine, but general information about St. Mark's Basilica can be found online.]