The Life of St. Mark the Apostle — Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Founding of the Church in Los Angeles

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about the life of Saint Mark the Apostle and his role in founding our Coptic Church, and about his influence in spreading the Gospel and establishing church schools and rites that remain in the ecclesiastical heritage.

Main idea

• Highlighting that Mark was an active apostle: he served with Peter and Paul, wrote a concise focused Gospel, and founded the earliest churches in Egypt and in the diaspora.
• Clarifying that Mark’s Gospel is addressed to the great city (Rome) as a proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God, and it has a quick and direct character suitable for youth.

Spiritual and educational dimension from a Coptic Orthodox perspective

• The importance of the Church’s attachment to its roots: the house of Mary mother of John called Mark came as the first church and the place of the appearance of the mysteries.
• Emphasis that ministry is not always comfortable and it requires enduring trials and the spiritual cross as the apostles experienced.

Examples and historical clarifications

• Mark’s relationship with Peter: Peter mentioned him in his letters, described him as “my son” to Peter, and he participated in evangelizing many regions including Egypt and Rome.
• Mark’s role in Alexandria: founding a scholarly church school that nurtured prominent scholars and deepened transmission and teaching.
• Mark’s influence in the diaspora: many churches abroad bear St. Mark’s name, and his role is clear in the spread of the Coptic Church.

Position on rites and miracles

• Mark did not limit himself to writing only but participated in organizing the liturgy and rites, and with later additions elements of his traditions remained.
• Narratives about miracles and symbols (such as the lion symbol for Mark) are mentioned to indicate the character of his ministry and his courage.

Educational message and conclusion

• A call to youth to serve and not hesitate before difficulties: ministry is hard but blessed and needs education and perseverance.
• Emphasis on appreciating the Egyptian and ecclesiastical heritage, and pride that Egypt was walked by the Lord and that the Coptic Church has a global mission.

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