The Holy Apostle Mark the Evangelist

Mark, or John-Mark, was a cousin of Barnabas. He belonged to the tribe of Levi and went to Antioch with St. Paul in the year 44. He also accompanied St. Peter to Rome. At the request of the Christians of Rome, he wrote in Greek the Gospel that bears his name. Later, he founded the church in Alexandria in Egypt. He is symbolized by the lion the second beat of the Vision of Ezekiel (1:10). St. Mark’s feast day is on April 25th.

Kontakion
You were granted from on high the grace to solve the philosophers’ problems, to triumph by preaching the divine Gospel to the Gentiles, and to lead them to your Master, O Apostle Mark worthy of all praises!