His Holiness: “Today we celebrate the commemoration of Saint Mark, the founder of the Coptic Church, who brought Christianity to Egypt and received the crown of martyrdom in the streets of Alexandria. Therefore, whenever the Coptic Church is mentioned, the name of Mark must always be remembered.”

His Holiness on Saint Mark: “He discipled many, entrusted them with the faith, and established the School of Alexandria, which became renowned for the sciences of mathematics and astronomy. For this reason, the Patriarch of Alexandria was tasked with calculating the date of the Feast of Resurrection, which remains accurately observed in the Oriental Church thanks to the Church of Alexandria.”

This morning, H.H. Pope Tawadros II prayed the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Martyrdom of Saint Mark the Apostle—known in our Church as the Evangelist of the Egyptian lands—at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, at the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Europe.

The Liturgy was attended by metropolitans and bishops of the Coptic Orthodox dioceses in Europe, America, and Australia, as well as members of the Secretariat of the Holy Synod, following the conclusion of their three-day conference at the same location.

In his sermon during the Liturgy, His Holiness began: “On this blessed morning, here in the Coptic Cathedral in Venice, Italy, we celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Mark the Apostle on 30 Paramoute—May 8. In this city, the relics of Saint Mark are enshrined in the basilica.”

He added: “Today’s celebration has a special significance, as we are joined by metropolitans and bishops from Egypt, America, Europe, and Australia for the first time in this church.”

He continued: “We also remember the late Metropolitan Kyrillos, Metropolitan of Milan, his service, love, and virtuous life; he now offers prayers for us in heaven.”

Regarding Saint Mark, Pope Tawadros said:
“Today we commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Mark, the first founder of the Coptic Church. He is the evangelist who brought Christianity to Egypt. Saint Mark is a model of a successful servant, for his preaching and sweet fragrance spread throughout all of Egypt, and many intercede through his name and prayers.”

He then highlighted five characteristics that distinguished the ministry of Saint Mark:

1. He began his ministry with people, not material things: He responded to the call of Anianus the shoemaker to the one true God and preached Christ to him. Anianus became the second Patriarch, and through him, the Church was established. Ministry always begins with people, with the strength of a servant devoted to all aspects of service.
2. He emphasized education: He founded the Theological School of Alexandria, one of the oldest theological schools, which offered profound, practical, and spiritual interpretations of Scripture. Saint Mark discipled many, teaching them and entrusting them with the faith. A successful servant learns and teaches through the Holy Scriptures, the writings of the Fathers, and the spiritual life. The School of Alexandria also became renowned for mathematics and astronomy; thus, the Patriarch of Alexandria was entrusted with calculating the date of the Feast of Resurrection, which remains accurately observed in the Oriental Church thanks to the Church of Alexandria.
3. He established a methodology: He wrote the Gospel—the only Gospel titled “The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). It is fitting to read this Gospel today in commemoration of Saint Mark’s martyrdom. It is the shortest Gospel, yet filled with miracles and diverse works of the Lord Christ, showing the power of God. The methodology Saint Mark presented in his Gospel is remarkable, addressing both Jews and Gentiles; this Gospel is indeed for the whole world.
4. He valued prayer: He provided the foundational prayers for the Liturgy and passed them down to us, evolving through the ages. We continue to pray them today. Prayer and the Eucharist support the servant; the Eucharist gives us strong faith and inner fulfillment: “Given to us for salvation and forgiveness of sins, and eternal life to those who partake of Him.”
5. He became an example to us: He received the crown of martyrdom in the streets of Alexandria, soaked with his blood. Saint Mark offered his life as a model for us, becoming our martyr and intercessor. Whenever the Coptic Church is mentioned, the name of Saint Mark the Martyr must also be mentioned. The servant dies daily for his Lord’s flock: “For your sake we are killed all day long” (Romans 8:36).

“This is a great day of joy for us, in the presence of this large gathering of esteemed metropolitan and bishops in this beautiful church. We are grateful for the hospitality of Bishop Giovanni, who labored greatly with us during this visit. There is ongoing communication between Egypt, the heart of the Church, and all Coptic Churches worldwide through our continuous mutual visits.”

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