25 April 2024 Saint Mark, Evangelist
Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you, and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
From 1 Peter 5:5-14 , NRSV
As he concludes his letter of encouragement to the early Christian community, Peter also sends the greetings of Mark, whom he refers to as a son. It is clear that there is a strong relationship between Peter and Mark and it is believed that Mark travelled with Peter on his missionary journeys. It is widely believed that Mark’s gospel owed much to the teaching and preaching of Peter. The influence on Mark of both Peter and Paul led him on his own missionary journeys. According to tradition, Mark travelled to Alexandria in A.D.49 and founded the Church of Alexandria – today, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Catholic Church trace their origins to this original community. Mark became the first Bishop of Alexandria and he is honoured as the founder of Christianity in Africa.
- Why do you think Peter included greeting from Mark in his letter?
- How do we mentor and support the development of the younger members of our own faith communities?
Pray today for all Orthodox and Coptic Christians – you may also like to find out more about how these communities practise their faith today.
