# Pope Mark II

Source: https://coptic-lore-forge.lovable.app/wiki/pope-mark-ii — Coptic Orthodox Wiki (updated 2026-10-02)

Saint Mark II was the forty-ninth patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (799–819), a preacher and writer commemorated on 22 Baramudah.[^1]

## Life and election

Saint Mark II was the forty-ninth patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, serving from 799 to 819. His feast day is 22 Baramudah.[^1]

As a deacon in Alexandria, Mark became a disciple of Patriarch John IV and assisted him with church building and during a famine. He subsequently entered monastic life at Dayr Anba Maqar. The monastery’s location is variously given as Wadi al-Natrun or Syria.[^2][^3]

The clergy and bishops assembled in Alexandria unanimously approved Mark’s election, partly because John IV had recommended him on his deathbed. Mark withdrew into the desert, considering himself unworthy of the office. After the governor approved his appointment, Bishop Mikha’il of Misr brought him to Alexandria by force; the account attributed to the *History of the Patriarchs* specifies that he was taken in iron chains.[^4]

## Patriarchal ministry

Mark’s inaugural homily demonstrated his preaching ability and his opposition to the Council of Chalcedon. His friendly relationship with the governor enabled him to obtain permission to rebuild churches, while conditions for Christians in al-Fustat and Alexandria improved.[^5]

He cultivated relations with Antioch through a synodical epistle to Patriarch Cyriacus, explaining his faith and emphasizing the unity of their churches.[^6] Another passage records that Mark and Patriarch Qiryaqus of Antioch asked a bishop named Abraham to recant his doubts about the efficacy of the Eucharist.[^7]

Mark also brought the Barsanuphians back into communion with the Coptic Orthodox Church. Their followers returned after he ordained their leaders, George and George’s son Abraham, as bishops.[^8]

He assisted people during a locust plague in al-Beheira and Alexandria. His biography also attributes healing and the casting out of evil spirits to him, while recording that he himself suffered ill health for twelve years.[^9]

## Conflict and displacement

Following the death of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, Egypt experienced local conflicts, interrupted communications, intensified plundering, and heavier tax collection. Fighting between Lakhmids and Andalusians affected Alexandria and its Christian population. During this period, Mark is said to have purchased and freed approximately six thousand Christian captives destined for the slave market.[^10]

The Church of the Redeemer, which Mark had rebuilt, was destroyed by fire. He left Alexandria with two companions and attempted to continue his patriarchal duties from elsewhere. His biography also records the plundering of Scetis and the capture of monks by Bedouins.[^11]

## Writings, death, and succession

Mark is credited with twenty Easter epistles, or festal letters, and twenty-one books of mystagogy. Their original language was probably Greek.[^12]

After residing at Nabaruh for five years following his departure from Alexandria, Mark died there on 17 April 819. His coffin was placed in the village church pending its transfer to Alexandria.[^13]

According to the biography of his successor, Jacob, Mark recommended Jacob to the bishops on his deathbed as a worthy candidate. After Mark’s death, they brought Jacob from Wadi Habib for consecration.[^14]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 450)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 450)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 7, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 129)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 450)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 450)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 450)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 122)
[^8]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^9]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^10]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^11]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^12]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^13]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 5, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 451)
[^14]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 4, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 798)