Icon of The Raising of Lazarus - 21th c. - 00FLS002

Feast Day/Commemorated: The Saturday Prior to Palm Sunday

In the Orthodox Christian tradition, the Saturday before Holy Week is a joyous celebration commemorating Jesus's miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead. This event, chronicled in the Gospel of John, serves as a powerful testament to Christ's divine authority over death. The Church combines this celebration with the triumph of Palm Sunday, exalting Jesus as King and Victor over death before entering the solemn week of his suffering, death, and ultimate resurrection on Pascha. This feast marks the end of the forty days of Great Lent and fills the faithful with hope and joy.

The biblical account details how Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, fell ill and died. Despite receiving a message from Lazarus's sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus delayed his arrival for two days, stating that the illness was for God's glory. When he finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. In a poignant scene, Martha expressed her faith, and Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life," a profound statement that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. The account also highlights Jesus's humanity, as he wept with Mary and the other mourners before going to the tomb.

At the tomb, Jesus asked for the stone to be removed, despite Martha's concern about the stench of a four-day-old corpse. Jesus reminded her of his promise that she would see the glory of God if she believed. He then prayed to his Father and, with a loud voice, commanded, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths. This miracle not only brought many to believe in Jesus but also intensified the resolve of the Pharisees and chief priests to arrest and kill him.

The raising of Lazarus is a significant event in Christian theology, revealing the dual nature of Christ as both fully human and fully divine. His tears for his friend demonstrate his human grief, while his power to raise Lazarus from the dead showcases his divine authority. The miracle is a foreshadowing of Christ’s own resurrection and a promise of the universal resurrection of all believers on the Last Day. It reassures the faithful that Jesus is indeed the "Lord and Victor over death," and that even in suffering, there is hope through him.

During the Orthodox celebration of the Saturday of Lazarus, the Divine Liturgy includes special hymns and readings that emphasize the resurrectional nature of the day. The joyful atmosphere is reflected in the use of bright vestments and church decorations. The hymns of the feast, such as the Apolytikion, declare, "By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your Passion, You confirmed the universal resurrection, O Christ God!" This day serves as a pivotal moment, connecting the penitential season of Lent with the triumphant celebration of Pascha and reminding believers of Christ's ultimate victory.

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