23 APRIL
SAINT GEORGES
Georges, a Christian officer in the Roman army, consecrated his life to defend the church, (which is symbolized as icon of the daughter of a king) against the attacks of Satan (the dragon). According to tradition he was martyred in the third century AD for his faith in Christ and was buried at Lydda in Palestine. A great church was erected over his tomb and the dedication of this church is celebrated on November 3rd. The devotion to this saint has spread throughout the east and the west; the faithful of all rites and nations count him as one of their own. The Cathedrals of Beirut and Sabra are dedicated to him as other sanctuaries throughout Lebanon. He is the patron of England, the army, young people and scouts. May his prayers be with us. Amen.
25 APRIL
SAINT MARK THE EVENGELIST
Mark was the son of a Christian lady called Mary, whose home in Jerusalem became the place of gatherings for Christians (Acts 12: 12). He was also a relative of Barnabas, the Cypriot Levite. He had both a Jewish name, “John” and a Roman name, “Mark”. He traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, in order to preach the Gospel. He then continued to Cyprus, Asia Minor and Pamphilia where he left Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. Later on, he again accompanied Barnabas. We find him with Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome, and with Peter, who called him “Mark, my son.” He transcribed the preaching of Peter in Rome into Greek around the year 65AD. The establishment of the church in Alexandria is attributed to him it is evident from its title, “the preaching of Mark.” The various accounts of his life agree that he was martyred in Alexandria on Easter Day around 70AD; the pagans seized him, put a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets of the city all day. May his prayers be with us. Amen.
