Saint Mark the Evangelist (Koufos) Icon - S357

While not himself one of the Twelve Apostles, the Evangelist St. Mark is said to have been present at Jesus’ arrest. In the Gospel of Mark, the “young man” who ran away from the scene, and apparently watched the Crucifixion from afar, may have been Mark himself (Mk. 14:51). Mark’s is the only Gospel to mention this young man, and he may very well have been describing his own involvement. 

Mark became more active in the ministry following the Ascension, and was a disciple of both Paul and Peter. Because Peter was one of the Twelve, Mark was probably influenced by his testimony as he wrote his Gospel about 10 years after the Ascension.

He was appointed by St. Peter as the first bishop in Egypt, and spread the Gospel there, establishing the Church of Alexandria. He was driven away by the pagans twice, and returned. Two years later he was martyred.

Although St. Mark did know Jesus, his Gospel tends to be told instead from Peter’s point of view. It also highlights Jesus’ role as “the Son of Man” who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mk. 10:45).

His feast is celebrated on April 25.