Martyrdom and Miracles

Around 60–62 AD, St. Mark brought Christ’s light to Alexandria, a great city of learning. Tradition says his sandal broke, leading him to Anianus, a cobbler working leather. Some say Anianus hurt his finger with an awl and cried, “O One God!” Mark smiled, mixed clay with spit, and, through Christ’s power, healed the wound instantly, leaving Anianus amazed. This miracle, like Jesus’ healing (John 9:6), changed everything.

Mark shared Christ’s story, from creation to the cross, as told in his Gospel (Mark 1:1). Anianus listened, invited Mark home, and that night, tradition says, his family and neighbors believed, baptized as Egypt’s first Christians. Copts call this the start of their Church, celebrated at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Alexandria. Ethiopians honor Mark’s role through Alexandria’s influence. For Orthodox children, Mark’s love, taught in Sunday school, shows how one miracle through Christ can build a Church that lasts forever.