St. Mark's Living Presence

St. Mark, the Coptic Church’s founder, protects his people through Christ’s power. Tradition says in the 4th century, under Emperor Valens (c. 364–378 AD), Arian enemies tried to harm Alexandria’s Christians, nearing Baucalis church where Mark’s relics rested. As told in The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, the faithful prayed, “O St. Mark, our lion, guard us!” A sudden storm scattered the attackers, saving the church. Copts believe Mark’s prayers to Christ, like his stopping lions in Jordan, sent this storm, showing his care after his 68 AD martyrdom.

Today, pilgrims at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo, where relics returned in 1968, and Ethiopian chapels pray for strength, some say during trials like the 2017 Palm Sunday attack at Alexandria’s cathedral. Copts and Ethiopians trust Mark’s prayers, honored on 30 Baramoudah and Yekatit 30, to shield their faith. Children in Sunday school light candles, learning Mark’s lion spirit, seen in Coptic icons, guards them. For young believers, Mark is a heavenly friend whose love through Christ keeps the Church strong.