St. Mark and Friends

St. Mark started the Coptic Church with his friend Anianus, a cobbler in Alexandria, per the Coptic Synaxarion. Tradition says around 61 AD, Mark’s sandal broke, and Anianus fixed it until an awl hurt his finger. “O One God!” he cried, and Mark healed him through Christ’s power, then shared Jesus’s love. Anianus believed, was baptized with his family in Christ, and welcomed Mark home, starting Egypt’s first Christians, per The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria.

When Mark left, he chose Anianus as bishop, the second patriarch, to lead their small church, celebrated on 6 Baramhat. After Mark’s martyrdom in 68 AD, Anianus faced challenges with faith in Christ. Tradition says Mark appeared in a vision, saying, “Keep going, my friend!” through Christ’s grace. Anianus grew the Church, Mark’s right-hand man and gift to Egypt. For kids, taught in Sunday school, it’s like Mark passing the baton in a race, showing teamwork in Christ builds strong faith.