Mark the Ascetic

Venerable Mark the Ascetic, spiritual writer of the Philokalia.

St. Mark the Ascetic lived in the fourth and fifth centuries, a disciple of St. John Chrysostom according to tradition, and spent many years in the deserts of Egypt. He is best known for his spiritual writings, several of which are preserved in the Philokalia, including the treatises On the Spiritual Law and On Those Who Think They Are Justified by Works.

Tradition relates that he knew the Scriptures by heart and was famed for his meekness. He reposed in peace at a great age, and his memory is kept on March 5.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Mark the Ascetic is commemorated on March 5. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on March 18 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on March 5

• 

  Konon

  Martyr, Κόνων

  Holy Martyr Konon of Isauria.

  Name days: Konon, Conon

• 

  Savas the Sanctified

  Venerable, Σάββας

  Founder of the Great Lavra monastery in Palestine.

  Name days: Savvas, Sabbas

• Konon the Gardener

  Martyr, Κόνων ο Κηπουρός

  Holy Martyr Konon the Gardener of Pamphylia.

• George of Rapsani

  Martyr, Γεώργιος ο εκ Ραψάνης

  Holy New Martyr George of Rapsani in Thessaly.

• Eulogios and Eulampios

  Martyr, Ευλόγιος

  Holy Martyrs Eulogios and Eulampios of Palestine.

  Name days: Evlogios, Eulogios, Eulogius

• Archelaos and 152 Martyrs

  Martyr, Αρχέλαος

  Holy Martyr Archelaos and the 152 martyrs with him.

  Name days: Archelaos, Archelaus

• Nicholas of Zicha

  Hierarch, Νικόλαος Αχρίδος και Ζίτσης

  Saint Nicholas (Velimirovich), Bishop of Ochrid and Zicha, the new Chrysostom of Serbia.