Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is located in Alexandria. It is the historical headquarters of the Pope of Alexandria, head of the Orthodox Church. This lasted for a thousand years before the Pope’s chair moved to the Abbasid Cathedral in Cairo.
The History of this cathedral
This cathedral was called with the name of Saint Mark the Evangelist (author of the second Gospel), who came to Alexandria in 42 AD and stayed there for 7 years. During this period, he was able to convert many of the people of Alexandria to Christianity. He is considered the founder of this cathedral and its first bishop, but he was killed in 68 AD and was buried under this cathedral.
In 828 AD, his body was stolen by Italian merchants and transported to Italy, but the Copts believe that the head of Saint Mark remained in Alexandria, and the rest of his remains were preserved in the Church of Saint Mark in Venice, Italy.
In 1968, during the catholic pontificate of Pope Kyrillos VI, some of the relics of Saint Mark were returned from Italy to Alexandria.
In 1219, the cathedral was destroyed during the Crusades. Then it was rebuilt again in 1547. Then it was demolished in 1798 during the French campaign on Egypt. It was rebuilt and opened in 1819 by Pope Peter during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha.
The design of this cathedral
In 1952, during the period of Pope Usab II, the cathedral building was demolished, and another building was built with concrete in the basilica style. There were six marble columns moved to the external entrance to the church.
The two bell towers were reinforced with concrete and decorated with Coptic inscriptions, and two bells were brought for those towers from Italy for each bell tower.
Between 1985 and 1990, the church was expanded from the western side, doubling its area. The six columns were moved to the western entrance, under the supervision of Pope Shenouda III.
When entering the door, there are two icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, overlaid with gold and silver. As well, an archaeological icon of Saint Mark and Saint George.
you can visit St. Mark Church with Alexandria Attractions
