OR Resurrection of Lazarus It is one of the most famous and deeply moving miracles of Jesus Christ. Recorded in John’s Gospel (11: 1-44) and honored by the Orthodox Church the Lazarus Saturdaythe day before the Sunday of the Saints, thus giving the first “taste” of victory over death before the Resurrection of Christ.
The Orthodox Church commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus, an event recorded in the Gospel of John (John 11: 1-45) and is one of the most emblematic miracles of Jesus Christ. This day is not just a memory of a distant event, but a living preparation for the most important moment of Christianity: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The story before the Resurrection
Lazaros, along with his sisters, Martha and Maria, were close friends of Jesus. Their home in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, was often a refuge for the Lord and his disciples.
When Lazarus became seriously ill, his sisters sent a message to Jesus, who was delayed to arrive. When he finally arrived in Bethany, Lazaros was already dead and was buried for four days. Martha, full of sadness, but also faith, told Jesus, “Lord, I did not, if my brother died” (John 11:21). Jesus’ answer was full of power and hope: “I am resurrection and life; the believer in me, even a dying, is lived” (John 11:25).
Christ, excited and seeing people’s pain, tears – The only point in the Gospel where it is recorded. He stands in front of the grave and shouts: “Lazar, dear out!” – And Lazarus comes out, wrapped in the savannah. A shocking miracle of life, faith and love.
Lazaros after the Resurrection: Traditions and Testimonies
Although the Bible does not mention details of Lazarus’ life after his resurrection, there are various traditions and historical testimonies. One of the most widespread traditions states that Lazaros, in order to escape the persecution of Jerusalem, fled to Cyprus, where he was ordained Bishop of Kiti by the Apostles Paul and Barnabas. He is said to have lived for many years and died peacefully in Cyprus, where his tomb is today. This tradition connects Lazarus to the early Christian community and the spread of the Gospel.
He ended his on earth’s life in Cyprus in the year 63 AD. The faithful cried him and honored him in a Cypriot marble sarcophagus in which they wrote in the Jewish language: “Lazarus the four -day and friend of Christ”. Above this sarcophagus was built a beautiful temple, which was renovated around 1750 AD. The memory of the miracle of Lazaros’ resurrection is celebrated on Saturday before Sunday of the Saints.
The recovery and transfer of the sacred relic of St. Lazarus from Kitios to Constantinople, which is honored by the Church on October 17, was made in the year 890 AD. At the behest of Emperor Leo VI of the wise, who composed the idioms to the Lazarus Vespers.
In addition to the information of St. Epiphanios, about the thirty years of the second life of the Saint, the oldest, according to the researchers, testimony of the tradition of St. Lazarus’ presence in Cyprus is attributed to Saint Ioannis Evia, a senior and monk of the Patriarchate of Antioch. In his speech “in the four -day Lazarus” he states: “He was the elderly of the Makarios Lazaros informed by the writing of these memoirs, that in Cyprus the bishop of the bishop of Gennos and his martyrdom and the martyrdom of the martyrdom and the martyrdom.
Celebration of Lazaros Saturday in Greece
In Greece, Lazarus’ Saturday is a day of joy and hope. The faithful go to the church to attend the special function, where the evangelical cut of Lazaros’ resurrection is read. Traditionally, children, holding decorated flower baskets, say “Lazaric” or “Lazarines”, songs referring to the Resurrection of Lazarus, and rewarded with eggs or small gifts. Also, in many areas, small human -shaped buns are made, the so -called “lasaras”, which symbolize the resurrected Lazarus.
The importance of Lazarus Saturday for Christians
Lazarus’ resurrection is not just a miracle. Is the forerunner of the Resurrection of Christ. It is the victory of life against fear, the proof of God’s hope and love for man.
Lazarus Saturday is of deep theological significance:
- Preparing for the Great Week: The Resurrection of Lazarus is the last great miracle of Jesus before his passions. It acts as a powerful confirmation of his divine nature and his power to defeat death, reinforcing students’ faith and preparing them for the events of the Holy Week.
- Confirmation of Resurrection: This miracle is a vibrant picture of the future resurrection of all believers. It shows that death is not the end, but a transition to a new life in Christ.
- Emphasis on the human nature of Christ: Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus and his emotion in front of his death highlight the complete human nature of Christ, who shares the joys and sorrows of the people.
Lazarus’ Saturday is a day that reminds us of the power of faith, the love of God for man and the hope of the Resurrection. Through the miracle of Lazarus, Christ shows us that death does not have the last word and that life in Christ is eternal. As we approach the Holy Week, let’s let Lazarus’ message fill our hearts with hope and anticipation for the Lord’s shining resurrection.