Monday, April 26, 2021

Archfather Greets Christians on Feast of St. Mark

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 26 April 2021 (NRom)

His Holiness and Eminence Archfather Papa Rutherford I gave a brief greeting yesterday on his second Apostolic feast, the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist. His Holiness gave a special blessing to the territories of the Patriarchal patrimony associated with St. Mark, Aquileia in Italy and Leontopoli in Egypt. The Archfather also gave a blessing to all Christians during  the difficult time in the world, reminding everyone to continue to hope in Christ. 

This is one of three main feasts of the Anglican Patriarchate and Stato Pontificio. The Patronal Feast is St. Stephen, kept both on 3 August and 26 December. The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the first Apostolic Feast, is kept on 29 June. The historical association of the Patriarchate with St. Mark is reflected by the sword in the insignia of the Patriarchal See, which is crossed with the key of St. Peter the Apostle.