By: helen

helen — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:29:16 +0000

Sorry, Fr. Seraphim, I've been meaning to write back sooner about this topic of St. Mark. I made a mistake in my earlier comment, above.

St. Mark of Ephesus (celebrated January 19 / February 1) lived in the 15th century, in the 1400's. He was the champion for Orthodoxy. He was an ascetic, priest and archbishop. He was sent to the Council of the Latins in Florence to unite the churches. But he did not sign the decree. Therefore, he saved the Orthodox Church from falling into the hands of the pope (the Roman Catholic church).

St. Mark the Ascetic, a/k/a Mark the Monk, (celebrate March 5 / 18) lived in the 5th century, the 400's in Egypt, at the same time as St. John Chrysostom, and lived as an ascetic for over 60 years. He knew the Bible by heart and was known as very gentle, merciful and pure of soul. He wept for the distress of others. We still have some of his homilies such as the one above which Fr. Seraphim has shared with us. His homiles are very beautiful.

I did some research to educate myself. Actually, I am trying to understand the difference between the two saints. I think I understand it now, myself. I always thought it was one saint by the name of Mark, but they are two different saints who lived at completely different eras and are know for different gifts. I hope this clears up the confusion that I caused in my first comment, above.

Fr. Seraphim, please print more of the writings of St. Mark the Ascetic.

By: helen

helen — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:49:18 +0000

Thank you, Fr. Seraphim, for this writing from St. Mark the Ascetic. I love this saint. I think he is also called St. Mark the Evgenicos (Pure) and St. Mark of Ephesus. He has written some beautiful spiritual things and he was also a champion for Orthodoxy; during his lifetime he fought for the Orthodox ways and beliefs.

Comments on: The “take home” about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. From Mark the Ascetic.

By: helen

By: helen