Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church

Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is an amazing treasure landmark that shows the devotion and dedication of the holy men who chose to serve God and do good. Egypt is home to many divine Coptic landmarks, especially in Alexandria. This cathedral is the main seat of the Pope of Alexandria, who leads the Coptic Orthodox Church.

It is considered one of the most stunning and captivating historical and religious sites in the Mediterranean, it is filled with rich stories and reflecting the deep faith of a large community.

The cathedral is thought to be built on the site of the ancient church of Saint Mark the Evangelist, which was constructed in 42 AD. Saint Mark was the only writer of the second gospel and has always been linked to the city of Alexandria, especially during the early days of Christianity.

Coptic Christians believe that St. Mark arrived in Alexandria around 42 AD and lived there for seven years. During his time there, he accepted Christianity and performed many miracles. He built the great church of Alexandria and became the city’s first Bishop. In 68 AD, during the Serapis festival, St. Mark was arrested, martyred and buried beneath the church he had built.

The story of the church’s construction began in 311 AD, before the last martyr, Pope Peter was killed. He prayed for the final time at St. Mark’s grave, which was originally a small chapel located on the east coast of the Mediterranean. Later, Pope Achilles ordered the chapel to be expanded. The church was severely damaged during the Arab invasion of Egypt in 641 AD. In 680 AD, Pope John III rebuilt the church and in 828 AD, an Italian sailor took part of St. Mark’s body and transported it from Alexandria to Venice, Italy.

The Church of St. Mark was completely destroyed in 1219 during the Crusades and was rebuilt several times throughout history. It inspired many travelers, including the French explorer Pierre Belon in 1547. In 1798, during the French invasion of Alexandria, the church was entirely demolished. Pope Peter El Gawly rebuilt it in 1819 during King Mohammed Ali’s rule. Later, during Pope Demetrius II’s reign, the church was renovated in 1870 under Bishop Marcos’s guidance. In the 1950s to 1990s, the church was restored to its current form.

The Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, featured in our Egypt Luxury tours, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. During our Egypt Classic trips, the church hosts a variety of activities, including liturgical services, Bible studies and youth programs. These services are available to everyone as they are held in both English and Coptic. 

The chanting and music during the services are important parts of the worship experience, helping to bring people closer to God. If you want to explore Egypt’s spiritual heritage, consider booking one of our Cairo day trips to visit the old churches, including the Hanging Church. We offer a range of excursions in Cairo, such as day trips to the pyramids, Saqqara and Dahshur, where you can discover Egypt’s rich history.

When you decide to go to Egypt you will love to go on a visit to the Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church. It is not only a place for prayer but also a lively community center. The church hosts various activities that help bring people together and create a strong sense of community. Whether it’s a group meal, a youth program or a social event, the church is always full of life. This sense of community is a key part of what makes Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church a special place and it’s one of the highlights of our Egypt Budget trips.

The Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church is not just a place of worship but also a cultural center. It plays a key role in Coptic culture and offers a variety of activities and events as part of our Egypt short break tours, celebrating its rich cultural heritage. The church is always at the forefront of promoting and preserving Coptic traditions, whether through concerts, dance performances, lectures or exhibitions.

Saint Mark’s has an important effect on Christianity in Alexandria. He didn’t only begin by spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ in Egypt, he also played an important role in shaping the Coptic Orthodox Church as an important part of Egyptian society. While in Alexandria, he helped create the beliefs and rituals that would later be known as Coptic Christianity.

The biggest achievement of Saint Mark was starting the first Christian church in Alexandria, which later became a center for Christian beliefs and practices. His work in Alexandria laid the foundation for one of the most important branches of Christianity, which influenced the faith for many centuries afterward.

Saint Mark was crucial in leading and guiding the early Christian community. As the first bishop of Alexandria, he had the authority to help set up the Coptic Orthodox Church and support its growth in Egypt and other parts of Africa.

The church has been rebuilt many times throughout history but in the early 1950s, it was renovated and expanded, reinforced with strong concrete and designed in the Basilica style. Six marble pillars were moved to the church’s outer entrance.

Inside, the church has amazing Coptic Inscriptions and two bells, brought from Italy are placed on each tower. In the mid 80s and 90s, the church was further expanded on the western entrance side and the six pillars were moved again.

The architectural design of Saint Mark Coptic Church in Alexandria mix traditional Coptic style with modern architectural trends. The church is known for its unique Coptic architecture, combining elements of ancient Egyptian, Byzantine and early Christian styles. The design features domes, arches and detailed icons, all of which highlight the sacred nature of the church.

Many believe that parts of St. Mark’s body were stolen in 828 AD by Venetian merchants and taken to Venice. It’s also believed that his head is kept in the church in Alexandria, while other parts of his relics can be found in St. Mark’s Church in Cairo and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. His head has been moved around for over 250 years.

In 1968, some of his relics were returned from Rome to Alexandria by the church’s administration. Every year, on the 30th of Paopi (the Coptic month), the Coptic Orthodox Church holds a grand celebration for the consecration of St. Mark’s Church, where his head is displayed.

Visiting the Saint Mark Coptic Church in Alexandria is a magic experience you’ll never forget. The church is full of history and religious importance. Some of the key features include:

The Iconostasis
The church has a unique feature called the iconostasis, a wooden screen filled with icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary and various saints. It separates the altar from the congregation and helps guide worshippers’ focus toward the heavenly realm.

The Altar and Sacred Space
At Saint Mark Coptic Church in Alexandria, the liturgy ends at the altar, which is located between the deacon’s area and the priests’ altar. The altar wall is covered with images and icons, making it the main focal point of the church.

The Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is another important part of the church. Baptism, a key Christian ritual, makes this font significant. Visitors can learn about the meaning of baptism in Coptic culture and see the sacred ceremonies connected to it.

The Surrounding Courtyard
The church is set in a peaceful courtyard, perfect for prayer and reflection. The flowers and fountains in the courtyard add to the church’s serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation on its deeper meaning.

What was Saint Mark’s role in spreading Christianity in Alexandria?

Saint Mark was the only writer of the second gospel and has always been linked to the city of Alexandria, especially during the early days of Christianity.

Coptic Christians believe that St. Mark arrived in Alexandria around 42 AD and lived there for seven years. During his time there, he accepted Christianity and performed many miracles. He built the great church of Alexandria and became the city’s first Bishop

What makes Saint Mark’s Church special in our Egypt Luxury tours?

offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. During our Egypt Classic trips, the church hosts a variety of activities, including liturgical services, Bible studies and youth programs. These services are available to everyone as they are held in both English and Coptic. 

The chanting and music during the services are important parts of the worship experience, helping to bring people closer to God.

What makes Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church different from other places of worship?

It is not only a place for prayer but also a lively community center. The church hosts various activities that help bring people together and create a strong sense of community. Whether it’s a group meal, a youth program or a social event, the church is always full of life. This sense of community is a key part of what makes Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church a special place.

What happens during the annual celebration held on the 30th of Tobi?

The Coptic Orthodox Church holds a grand celebration for the consecration of St. Mark’s Church, where his head is displayed.