Mitchell G. Reddish

Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark, is traditionally credited with authoring the Gospel of Mark, though most modern scholars consider the gospel anonymous. Despite this scholarly debate, tradition holds that Mark was a Libyan who founded the influential episcopal see of Alexandria. His background is described differently by various historical accounts, with some identifying him with John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, while others, like Hippolytus of Rome, distinguish multiple figures named Mark. Eusebius of Caesarea recounts Peter encountering Mark and taking him as a companion and interpreter, suggesting Mark wrote down Peter's sermons. According to tradition, Mark established the Church of Alexandria around AD 49 and served as its first bishop, with the Coptic, Greek Orthodox, and Coptic Catholic Churches tracing their origins to this community. His feast day is observed on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.

The authorship of the Gospel of Mark is a subject of ongoing scholarly discussion. While early tradition, originating with Papias, suggests a connection to John Mark, a figure identified by some as a companion and interpreter for Peter, many contemporary scholars view the gospel as anonymous. Some academic perspectives even question the existence of any author named Mark associated with the text, while others propose a Mark not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament or linked to Peter. Arguments against traditional authorship sometimes cite a perceived lack of geographical knowledge in the gospel, though counterarguments highlight familiarity with Galilean geography. Mitchell Reddish acknowledges the possibility of a homonymous author named Mark but stresses that this individual's identity remains unknown, a view shared by scholars like Francis Moloney and reflected in encyclopedic entries.

According to church tradition, Mark the Evangelist was instrumental in the early spread of Christianity. He is credited with founding the see of Alexandria, which became one of the five major centers of early Christianity. The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and the Coptic Catholic Church all trace their origins to the community Mark established there. It is believed he traveled to Alexandria around AD 49 and served as its first bishop, often honored as the founder of Christianity in Africa. Coptic tradition further suggests Mark hosted early Christian gatherings in his house and that aspects of the Coptic liturgy can be traced back to him. His martyrdom is traditionally placed in AD 68 in Alexandria.

Mark the Evangelist is symbolically represented by a winged lion, a motif often seen in Christian art. He is frequently depicted in the act of writing his gospel or holding a book, sometimes inscribed with 'Pax tibi Marce' (Peace to you, Mark). The lion symbol is thought to allude to Jesus's Resurrection, symbolizing vigilance and royalty. Veneration of Mark is widespread, with his feast day celebrated on April 25 by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. In some traditions, John Mark is distinguished from Mark the Evangelist, with separate feast days. Major shrines dedicated to him include the Basilica di San Marco in Venice and Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedrals in Alexandria and Cairo.