There are several reasons that can be presented for the symbolism of a winged lion being associated with Mark. One reason stems from the fact that Mark starts his Gospel with a quote from Isaiah prophesying John the Baptist as "a voice of one calling in the desert", much like a roaring lion. Another reason proposed by some is that Mark begins a fast paced narrative that "leaps" into the story of Jesus beginning His ministry with His baptism by John.

The winged lion corresponds with the four living creatures described in Ezekiel 1:10, and in Revelation 4:6-8, which states "...In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around..."

The other Gospel writers are given symbolism derived from this description as well. Matthew is symbolized as a man for his presentation of the humanity of Christ living among us, Luke as an ox representing his burden of work to present an accurate and true account of Christ, and John as an eagle for his portrayal of Christ's "soaring" divinity and power. Scholars believe Mark wrote his Gospel in the 50's or early 60's (AD), making it the first Gospel written. It is likely that Luke used Mark's Gospel as a reference in writing his Gospel.

Mark, who was also known as John Mark, was from a wealthy family in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). Their house served as a meeting place for believers (Ac 12:12). Mark was a close friend and associate of Peter and received much of his Gospel information from him, mostly from Peters preaching to the early Christians.

Mark wrote his Gospel generally for Gentile readers and for Roman readers in particular. This would explain why he did not include the genealogy of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Jewish condemnation of Jesus as these readers would not have understood the meaning and significance of these accounts. It can be seen that Mark wrote about the works of Jesus more than what Jesus said. The theme of his writing is Christ the servant.

One of the most famous historical sites dedicated to Mark is seen in Venice Italy, at the famous St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and St. Mark's Cathedral.

Venetian merchants, along the Eastern routes, often stopped at Alexandria to pray at St Mark's tomb. One day, these Venice merchants took the body of St Mark to Venice by ship in 828 A.D. The Doge (governor) of Venice had a church built as his tomb, which was completed in 832 AD. It burned and was rebuilt in 978 AD. The original church has been modified many times over the centuries.

This is what the church looks like today (including pigeons.)

A closeup of the winged Lion on the facade of the cathedral.

This lion sits on a oblisk in front of the cathedral.