Mark the Evangelist also known as John Mark or Saint Mark, is the person who is traditionally ascribed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. Modern Bible scholars have concluded that the Gospel of Mark was written by an anonymous author rather than an identifiable historical figure. According to Church tradition, Mark founded the episcopal see of Alexandria, which was one of the five most important sees of early Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.
Detail from a window in the parish church of SS Mary and Lambert, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, with stained glass representing St Mark the Evangelist
Mark the Evangelist's symbol is the winged lion, the Lion of Saint Mark. Inscription: PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEVS ('peace be upon you, Mark, my evangelist'). The same lion is also the symbol of Venice (on illustration).
Festa del bocoło (rosebud festival) in St Mark's Square, Venice (Italy)
Venetian merchants with the help of two Greek monks take Mark the Evangelist's body to Venice, by Tintoretto
John Mark is named in the Acts of the Apostles as an assistant accompanying Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys. Traditionally he is regarded as identical with Mark the Evangelist, the traditional writer of the Gospel of Mark.
St. Mark by Frans Hals, c. 1625
6th-century Syriac inscription at the Monastery of Saint Mark in the Old City of Jerusalem, stating: "This is the house of Mary, mother of John Mark."
Lion of St Mark outside Bishop's Palace – Galveston, Texas
