Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus, Russian icon

Lazarus Saturday is a Christian feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches that commemorates the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus of Bethany from the dead, as recorded in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-45). It is celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, marking the end of Great Lent and the beginning of Holy Week.

Significance

Lazarus Saturday is significant because it prefigures the Resurrection of Jesus and serves as a reminder of the promise of eternal life. The raising of Lazarus is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Liturgical Practices

The liturgical services for Lazarus Saturday are similar to those of Palm Sunday. The day is marked by the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and special hymns and troparia are sung. The Orthodox Church also uses this day to bless palms and other branches, which are then distributed to the faithful on Palm Sunday.

Hymnography

The hymns of Lazarus Saturday focus on the themes of resurrection and life. One of the most well-known hymns is the Troparion of Lazarus:

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion, You confirmed the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, we cry out to You, O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

Customs and Traditions

In many Orthodox cultures, Lazarus Saturday is associated with various customs and traditions. In Greece, for example, children go from house to house singing the "Lazarus carols" and are rewarded with small gifts or treats. In Russia, it is customary to bake special breads and cakes in the shape of Lazarus.

Biblical Account

The story of Lazarus is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, falls ill and dies. Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus' death and performs the miracle of raising him from the dead, demonstrating His power over life and death.

Iconography

In Orthodox Christian iconography, Lazarus Saturday is often depicted with Jesus standing at the entrance of Lazarus' tomb, commanding him to come forth. Lazarus is shown emerging from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths, while the onlookers express amazement and awe.

Related Feasts

Lazarus Saturday is closely related to Palm Sunday, which follows immediately after. Together, these feasts mark the transition from Great Lent to Holy Week. Other related feasts include the Feast of the Resurrection and the Feast of the Ascension.

See Also

• Great Lent
• Holy Week
• Palm Sunday
• Resurrection of Jesus
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Eastern Catholic Churches