St. Mark's Living Presence

St. Mark, the Coptic Church’s first pope, is a heavenly helper who prays to Christ for us. Since his relics returned to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo in 1968, under Pope Cyril VI, pilgrims have visited, asking for help with illnesses and worries, per The Coptic Encyclopedia. Tradition says Mark, who healed Anianus through Christ’s power, brings God’s grace to those who pray. On his feast, 30 Baramoudah (May 8), Copts pray at his tomb in Cairo, trusting his lion-hearted faith, seen in icons, to guide them as he led Egypt’s first Christians.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians honor St. Mark too, some say during Timket (Epiphany), invoking his apostolic link to Alexandria, per The Churches of Ethiopia. At St. Mark’s churches in Addis Ababa, believers pray for strength on Miyazia 30 (circa May 8). Children in Coptic and EOTC Sunday schools light candles and say, “St. Mark, help us!” knowing he prays to Christ in heaven. For Orthodox kids, St. Mark’s love, rooted in centuries of devotion, makes him a friend who turns small prayers into big blessings through Christ.