Hieromartyr
Mark of Arethusa
Hieromartyr Mark, Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate
New Calendar March 29 Old Calendar April 11
Why they are a saint
The calendar names Mark of Arethusa as Bishop of Arethusa. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mark of Arethusa as a patron when they bear the name Mark at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 29. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Mark of Arethusa, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.