Apostle · 1st C
Mark of the Seventy
Mark, Aristarchos, and Zenon, Apostles of the 70
New Calendar September 27 Old Calendar October 10
Why they are a saint
The Holy Apostle Mark of the Seventy, also named John, is mentioned by the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 12:25, 15:37-39) and also by the holy Apostle Paul in both the Epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:10) and the Epistle to Philemon (Philemon 1:23). The Orthodox Church commemorates Mark of the Seventy on September 27.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mark of the Seventy as a patron when they bear the name Mark at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 27. As an apostle, he is also asked to pray for missionaries and those who spread the Gospel.
Prayer
O holy Mark of the Seventy, 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.