Orthodox icon | Saint Apostle and Evangelist Mark | 24994

Orthodox icon | Saint Apostle and Evangelist Mark.

The depiction shows the evangelist, engrossed in writing his gospel. The initial words are discernible: “The beginning (of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God…)”.

A lion features in the background, symbolizing the evangelist.

Mark, born as Levite John Mark, was a Jewish convert to Christianity. He was the son of Mary, whose house served as a meeting place for early Christians (Acts 12:12). His name, Mark, points to his Hellenistic lineage. Tradition holds that under Peter’s influence, Mark embraced Christianity. From then on, he became Peter’s interpreter due to Peter’s limited knowledge of Greek.

He is revered as the patron saint of Venice and the island of Reichenau, and of diverse professions including builders, masons, glaziers, glass painters, lantern makers, basket makers, mat makers, notaries, and scribes. People also invoke him for protection against storms, lightning, hail, scabies, afflictions, and unrepentant or sudden death, as well as for good weather and bountiful harvests.

The robe is adorned with beautiful gold painting (assist), and a gilded mount is carved.

Source: Orthodox icon | Saint Apostle and Evangelist Mark | 24994 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de