Around 49 AD, a young man named John Mark arrived in Alexandria carrying the revolutionary message of Jesus Christ. As the traditional founder of Christianity in Egypt, Saint Mark the Evangelist established the Church of Alexandria, which would become one of the most influential patriarchates in early Christianity—rivaling Rome, Constantinople, and Antioch. For over six centuries, Alexandria was the intellectual heart of the Christian world, home to the famous Catechetical School where theologians like Clement, Origen, and Athanasius shaped the faith that billions follow today.
Modern Alexandria preserves this extraordinary Christian heritage at the Cathedral of Saint Mark and other historic sites scattered throughout Egypt's second-largest city. While most early Christian monuments have been lost to time and conquest, pilgrims can still walk where the giants of patristic theology once taught and pray where Saint Mark himself proclaimed the Gospel. For those interested in the intellectual foundations of Christianity, Alexandria offers an encounter with the birthplace of Christian scholarship and the See of Saint Mark.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
According to tradition, Saint Mark the Evangelist arrived in Alexandria around 49 AD and began preaching the Gospel. He is said to have founded the Church of Alexandria and served as its first bishop (patriarch) until his martyrdom around 68 AD. Mark's body was preserved in Alexandria until 828 AD, when Venetian merchants took his relics to Venice, where they remain in Saint Mark's Basilica.
The Church of Alexandria quickly became a center of Christian learning and theological development. The Catechetical School of Alexandria, founded in the 2nd century, was the first Christian university and produced some of Christianity's greatest theologians:
- Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215) pioneered the integration of Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine
- Origen (c. 185-254) developed systematic theology and biblical criticism
- Athanasius the Great (c. 296-373) defended orthodoxy against Arianism and helped establish the biblical canon
- Cyril of Alexandria (c. 378-444) championed the divine nature of Christ
The Patriarch of Alexandria was one of the most powerful figures in early Christianity, with authority over much of North and East Africa. The See of Alexandria played crucial roles in the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381), helping define core Christian doctrines.
Islamic conquest in 641 AD dramatically reduced Christian presence in Alexandria, but the Coptic Orthodox Church maintained continuity. Today, Alexandria hosts both Coptic Orthodox and Catholic communities, preserving the Christian heritage of this historic city.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Alexandria
Cathedral of Saint Mark (Coptic Orthodox)
Principal shrine of the Evangelist's legacy in Alexandria
The modern Coptic Orthodox cathedral, rebuilt in the 20th century, stands near the traditional site of the ancient Church of Saint Mark. The cathedral houses relics of Saint Mark returned from Venice in 1968 and serves as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. The attached museum displays artifacts from Alexandria's Christian heritage.
Saint Catherine's Cathedral (Catholic)
The Catholic cathedral serves Alexandria's Latin Rite community and provides a place for Catholic pilgrims to celebrate Mass and honor the city's Christian heritage.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Ancient Christian burial complex dating to the 2nd century, featuring a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Christian symbolism. These underground chambers provide insight into early Alexandrian Christianity.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Modern recreation of the ancient Library of Alexandria, with exhibits on the city's role in preserving and transmitting Christian texts throughout the Mediterranean world.
Pompey's Pillar Area
Site of the ancient Serapeum temple, later converted to a Christian church, representing the transition from pagan to Christian Alexandria.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Saint Mark — April 25
Principal celebration honoring the Evangelist and founder of the Alexandrian Church, observed by both Coptic Orthodox and Catholic communities.
Coptic Christmas — January 7
Major celebration in Alexandria's substantial Coptic Orthodox community.
Feast of Saint Athanasius — May 2
Commemoration of Alexandria's great defender of orthodoxy.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Luxury oceanfront hotel. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic hotel in city center. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Paradise Inn Le Metropole ⭐⭐⭐ — Mid-range option near corniche. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is 45 km southwest of Alexandria.
By Train: Regular service from Cairo's Ramses Station (2-3 hours).
By Car: From Cairo, take the Desert Road or Agricultural Road to Alexandria (approximately 2.5 hours).
By Bus: Frequent bus service from Cairo and other Egyptian cities.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Maria Dzielska, Hypatia of Alexandria — Life of the famous mathematician in Christian Alexandria.
Christopher Haas, Alexandria in Late Antiquity — Social and religious life in early Christian Alexandria.
Annick Martin, Athanase d'Alexandrie et l'Église d'Égypte — French study of Athanasius and the Alexandrian Church.
🔗 Useful Links
Coptic Orthodox Church — Information about the Church of Alexandria.
Egypt Tourism Authority — Official tourism information.
Alexandria Governorate — Local government resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Cairo (220 km southeast) — Holy Family sites and Coptic Cairo.
Saint Catherine, Sinai (600 km southeast) — Ancient monastery at Mount Sinai.
Wadi Natrun (150 km southeast) — Ancient monastic centers in the Egyptian desert.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." — Luke 10:2, words that Saint Mark carried to Alexandria
