John Mark and the Lions

Adornment above the door in St. Mark's Church in Venice, Italy.

John Mark’s mom was Mary of Coplas, also known as Miriam. She was a remarkable woman, often recognized as the sister or aunt of Barnabas, as mentioned in Colossians 4:10. Before becoming a follower of Jesus, Mary dedicated four years to the ministry of John the Baptist. Interestingly, she’s one of eight women named Mary in the New Testament and was present at the crucifixion of Jesus, showing her strength and devotion.

Not only did Mary own the Upper Room where the Last Supper and Pentecost took place, but she also played a vital role by supporting Jesus’ ministry financially. She was part of an early group of female disciples, alongside notable women like Susanna, Joanna, and Mary Magdalene.

As for John Mark’s dad, he was either named Elijah or Aristopolos and had connections to Peter's family, suggesting he was part of the early Christian community and perhaps belonged to the Essene Sect of Jews who authored the Dead Sea Scrolls.

When John Mark was a teenager, he spent time learning from Rabbi Jesus, soaking up the teachings about the Kingdom of God during Jesus’ three-year ministry. One memorable adventure took him and his father, Elijah, on a journey through the desert, possibly traveling from Africa to visit family. During this trip, they faced a frightening encounter with a male and female lion. Elijah bravely urged John Mark to find safety while he tried to fend off the lions, hoping his son would return to his mother with news of his sacrifice. But John Mark was determined not to leave his father behind. Remembering the miraculous events he had seen during Jesus’ time, he suggested they pray together, asking God for a miracle in Jesus’ name. To their amazement, the lions fell dead after their prayer! This moment profoundly changed Elijah’s faith, and he said to John Mark, “You are my son in flesh, but from now on I am your son in faith.”

Today, Saint Mark is honored as the patron saint of Venice, Italy, and you’ll find him represented by two lions in various places across Rome and Italy, a symbol of his incredible legacy.