Saint Mark, born in Cyrene, travelled to Northern Egypt to eventually erect the Church of Alexandria. John Mark is credited for the writing of the Gospel of Mark between 60 and 68 AD and was eventually martyred by pagans in the city he build his church. He is said to have been buried where now stands the Saint Mark Cathedral, though in 828, the body of Mark was stolen and brought to Venice, Italy. However, Saint Mark’s head still resides under the cathedral in Alexandria.
The protagonist of our story, Tannhäuser, travelled to Egypt to find his fate where Saint Mark planted a seed that rooted throughout Africa. The situation the Coptic Cathedral currently resides in represents Tannhäusers situation, of some sorts. The seed is shadowed by temptations. Shrouded by danger his fate lives.
Though challenged by his temptations throughout his journey, Tannhäuser finds himself in the city once known as the ancient capital of knowledge,
Only after passing armored trucks, armed military forces and barbed fences, we were welcomed by the beautiful sight of the cathedral. The holy spirit lives on, but is challenged.
The Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria has long been threatened by adversaries. on Palm Sunday, April 9th 2017, twin suicide bombings took place at St. George's Church in the northern Egyptian city of Tanta as well as Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria. At least 43 people were reported killed and 789 injured.
Arriving at Saint Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria only days after Palm Sunday, where hundreds of Christians were victims of suicide bombings seven years ago, was worrisome, to say the least. However, as soon as I passed through the barbed gates, I entered a place of tranquility, as if i was whispered to, "Everything will be fine." But my inner peace cannot overshadow the reality for the Orthodox people of Alexandria, as the grave of Saint Mark the Evangelist is now shaded by armored trucks and fences.
- RS