TODAY IS SAINT MARK’S DAY: We celebrate Saint Apostle Mark, the writer of the Gospel and the right hand of Apostle Peter!

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful celebrate Saint Mark’s Day, a holiday dedicated to Saint Apostle Mark. He wrote the Gospel and is also known as the companion and first assistant of Apostle Peter. Saint Mark is a frequent patron saint’s day in Šumadija, as well as the patron saint of certain towns and places.

Saint Mark was a Jew, from the tribe of Levi. Included among the 70 holy apostles of Christ, he initially followed Saint Peter, who also appointed him as a bishop.

At the request of faithful Roman Christians, he wrote the Gospel, which Saint Peter himself reviewed and confirmed as true.

He preached the faith of Christ in Aquileia and Egypt, built many churches, and appointed priests.

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He performed many miracles, so many at that time believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized. He continued his journey to Alexandria, where he converted many to Christianity, for which he was thrown into prison. At the moment of his execution, the sky opened, and a strong earthquake occurred.

His holy relics were transferred to Venice in the 9th century, and first buried in the Doge’s Chapel, and then in the 11th century in a new church, now known worldwide as Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Today, in the Orthodox world, field work is avoided, and it is also not good to sleep on this day, so as not to sleep throughout the whole year.

Saint Mark is a frequent patron saint’s day but also the patron saint of certain towns and places.