“O One God.” That cry echoes through time connecting us to the story of Saint Mark Coptic Christian Church of Egypt. The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its origins back to St. Mark the Evangelist. He arrived in Egypt around 48 A.D.
St. Mark is a towering figure. He is one of the seventy disciples mentioned in Luke’s Gospel. His Gospel is believed to be the oldest. Tradition holds that the Last Supper took place in his house. The disciples gathered there for prayer after the resurrection. Pentecost occurred there too. St. Mark faced martyrdom for his faith in Egypt in 68 A.D. The Copts celebrate his feast on May 8th each year.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is also known as the Church of Alexandria. It holds a place among the four ancient apostolic churches. These churches are Jerusalem, Rome, and Antioch. The Nicean Ecumenical Council of 325 AD recognized them. The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church is the Pope. He is seen as St. Mark’s successor. The clergy includes bishops, priests, and deacons. The church has monasteries and convents in Egypt and beyond.
Saint Mark went to Alexandria around the year 61 A.D. He was praying when his sandal tore. He sought a cobbler named Anianus for repair. During the repair, an awl pierced Anianus’ finger. Anianus cried out “O One God”. St. Mark healed the wound miraculously. He then shared the story of Jesus Christ. Anianus embraced the faith. He invited St. Mark to his home. There, with family and neighbors, Saint Mark Coptic Christian Church of Egypt baptized those who believed. This marked the beginning of the Christian Church in Egypt. St. Mark established a theological school in Alexandria. He also created a system for the Divine Liturgy. This liturgy is now known as the Divine Liturgy of St. Cyril.
The Christian faith grew in Egypt. The pagans grew furious with St. Mark. He ordained Anianus as bishop. He also ordained three priests and seven deacons. These individuals would care for the growing congregation. St. Mark then traveled to Rome. He met with St. Peter and St. Paul. He stayed with them until around 64 A.D. Later, St. Mark returned to Egypt. He found the church flourishing. The number of believers had increased significantly. A large church was built in Baucalis.
Easter in 68 A.D. coincided with the pagan feast for Serapis. Many Egyptians had converted to Christianity. They chose to attend the Divine Liturgy instead of the pagan feast. The pagans attacked St. Mark. They tied him with ropes. They dragged him through the streets. St. Mark’s blood stained the ground. Yet, he praised God.
That night, St. Mark was imprisoned. An angel appeared. The angel strengthened him. The angel said his name was written in the Book of Life. Christ then appeared. Christ said “Peace be to you!”. The next morning, the pagans returned. They dragged him again. Finally, St. Mark’s body was torn. His head was severed. Believers wrapped his body. They placed it in a grave beneath the altar of the church in Baucalis.
In St. Mark’s imagery, a lion often appears. The lion symbolizes different things. One story tells of St. Mark and his father encountering a lion and lioness. St. Mark prayed. The animals died instantly. His Gospel begins with John the Baptist. He is described as a lion roaring in the wilderness. The lion also represents St. Mark’s origins in North Africa and his service in Egypt.
On January 14, 2025, Metropolitan Daniel of Accra visited the Coptic Orthodox Church in Ghana. He extended wishes for Christmas and the upcoming Epiphany. Archpriest Fr. Athanasios Ava Mark welcomed the delegation. They were guided to the Church of St. Mark. The church stands as a testament to faith. It reminds us of St. Mark’s enduring legacy. It also reminds us of the countless martyrs who followed in his footsteps.