St. Mark's Living Presence

Before his martyrdom around 68 AD, St. Mark received a vision that gave him strength, a story loved by Copts and Ethiopians. Tradition says, per the Coptic Synaxarion (30 Baramoudah), while in prison in Alexandria, Mark saw an angel, then Christ, who said he would be with Him in glory. This vision helped Mark face danger bravely, praising Christ even as pagans hurt him greatly.

Today, Copts draw hope from this, especially after trials like the 2017 Palm Sunday attack at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, praying for Mark's intercession, per The Coptic Encyclopedia. Icons in Cairo’s St. Mark’s Cathedral show his vision, inspiring faith. Some say Ethiopian monks honor Mark’s courage in Ge'ez liturgies on May 8, linking him to Alexandria, per The Churches of Ethiopia. For Orthodox children, taught in Sunday school, St. Mark’s story shows a hero who trusted Christ’s light to stay strong, helping kids face tough times with hope.