Article summary: Lazarus Saturday is the last Saturday before Easter, and is celebrated in many Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. It marks the end of Lent and many celebrate this day with special rituals. The story of Lazarus’s resurrection from the Bible is remembered, along with a day of prayer, thanksgiving, processions, liturgies, feasts, and other activities.
The origins of Lazarus Saturday can be traced back to the early Christian Church. The observance of Lazarus Saturday is an important part of the Christian liturgical calendar as a day that inspires and strengthen faith to Christ the Lord.
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Many Christians have likely heard of this holiday, but do you know why it’s important or where it originates from?
Lazarus Saturday is a religious holiday observed by Orthodox and Eastern Catholics around the world on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. It’s about the biblical figure, Lazarus of Bethany who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. Though not widely celebrated in Western churches, it holds deep spiritual significance for those who observe it.
Understanding the meaning behind Lazarus Saturday provides insight into an ancient Christian tradition and why it has been celebrated for centuries. In this article, we will explore the history and cultural importance of this sacred day as we look back at its religious context to better understand its significance today.
What is Lazarus Saturday?
Lazarus Saturday is the last Saturday before the triumphant Holy Week of Easter. It marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Holy Week for many Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. The day is occasionally celebrated in some Western Christian denominations too.
Though it’s not officially a Church holiday according to the liturgical calendar, Christians celebrate this day with special rituals as a reminder of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead—an event that demonstrates His power over death and gives us hope for divine forgiveness and that humanity will rise together on the Last Day.
The Story of Lazarus Resurrection
The Bible tells the story of Jesus bringing his friend Lazarus back to life after he had died, known as the tale of the resurrection of Lazarus. After Jesus received news that his friend Lazarus was gravely ill and close to death, He traveled to Bethany, yet arrived too late; Lazarus had already passed away four days prior. At the tomb, Jesus commanded that it be opened and Lazarus miraculously appeared from within.This demonstration of divine power led many people who had witnessed the miracle to believe in Jesus and ultimately accept him as their savior. The story emphasizes how faith can move mountains, as well as Jesus’ commitment to restoring life to all who are lost or suffering.
Resurrezione di Lazzaro
Celebration of the feast
This day, which occurs only one week prior to Easter, serves as a precursor to the Holy Week and helps followers of the Christian faith prepare themselves for the joyous commemoration of the glorious resurrection of Jesus. Despite not being formally recognized as part of the Easter narrative, the observance of Lazarus Saturday has become deeply ingrained in Easter traditions. This day falls before Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of the Easter story.
Globally
The celebration of the feast of Lazarus Saturday has a unique background and is celebrated with great joy in some countries around the world. It is commemorated on the Saturday preceding Palm Sunday, and its main purpose is to remember the resurrection of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. During this day people organize prayers, processions, liturgies, feasts and other activities.
Although the 40 days of Great Lent end on Lazarus Friday, this day is still observed as a fast day, but with mitigated fasting, allowing the consumption of caviar and eggs as symbols of the resurrection.
In Catholic churches it is marked as a holy day while in other communities each family gets together to celebrate in their own way.
Many cultures during this time have traditions such as carrying candles or decorating homes with colourful cloths and frescos.
The feast of Lazarus Saturday celebrates life, even after death, which makes it an event that reminds us of what really matters most — love.
In some places, Lazarus Saturday is also marked by processions, in which a figure of Lazarus is carried through the streets. In this picture, you can see Saint Lazarus statue facing “la naïade” during the great procession of Tournai. The saint Brice church is seen in the background.
The origins of Lazarus Saturday can be traced back to the early Christian Church, where it was celebrated as a feast day in honor of the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus. It was likely first celebrated in the Eastern Church and later spread to the Western Church.
The significance of the day and its traditions, the resurrection of Lazarus is not only a historical event, but it also has a spiritual significance to the Christian faith. It is a reminder of the promise of the resurrection and the power of Jesus over death. The observance of Lazarus Saturday is a way for Christians to reflect on this powerful story and its relevance to their own lives and faith.
Regional observances
This day is a time for prayer and thanksgiving before entering the most solemn week of the year that commemorates Jesus’ Passion and ends with the glorious Easter Sunday celebration.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lazarus Saturday is also known as the “Saturday of Light” and is seen as a prelude to Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Holy Week.
Serbia and Bulgaria
The Serbian Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church both hold services on Lazarus Saturday, which is also known as Vrabnitsa in Bulgarian;
People make traditional food and decorations and get together to enjoy this special holiday.
Many Serbians carry icons of Jesus while they travel to different churches around the country, while Bulgarians such sing special hymns in church.
Greece and Cyprus
Regional observances of Lazarus Saturday are particularly special to those in Greece and Cyprus. It is the beginning of what is known as the Lazarus Triodion, a weeklong period of mourning for Jesus’ friend, Lazarus.
In Cyprus, it is believed that singing and dancing should be observed on this day in order to celebrate the fortunate return of life given to him by Jesus.
The Greek “Lazarakia” (Lazarus Bread)
The custom of ‘Lazarakia’ is an ancient Greek tradition that involves making sweet buns in the shape of a sleeping man in a shroud, reminiscent of how Lazarus is usually depicted in traditional religious illustrations. Lazarus bread has two cloves as eyes for decoration. Traditionally, they bake a bun for each family member. This is a chance for the family to come together and share some joyous moments.
Click here for the recipe!
“If you don’t make a Lazaro,
Greek saying
you won’t have your full of bread”
Lazarus Bread is similar to Hot Cross Buns, which is a customary food served during Easter, particularly on Good Friday.
The Greek Carols of Lazarus
On Lazarus Saturday, children will go door to door singing special carols (Lazaro) in several variations that reflect the “resurrection of the dead” of Lazarus. This folklore blends traditional spring rites and the Christian customs which have been adopted by the greek people.
The carol is usually sung by schoolgirls who are referred to as lazarines, lazaritses, lazaroudisses etc. In preparation for this day, they design their floral-adorned traditional garments throughout Lent.
After singing the carols, the children continue with pleasant and praising lyrics for the house and accept eggs as a tip, which they place in a decorated basket (in some areas fruit or money).
Traditions of Lazarus Saturday in Russia
On Lazareva Subbota, as it is known in Russian, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates Mary and Martha’s mourning of their brother Lazarus’ passing with a special tradition. In this tradition, Christians sing lauds for Mary and Martha and commemorate Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead as an act symbolizing life after death.
Other traditional rituals associated with this special day include giving flowers to those in mourning, prayers for those passed away, church services remembering past relatives and friends, blessings on churches and families and remembrance offerings.
Readings of Lazarus Saturday Service
As with all Christian services, the readings and hymns will depend on the specific denomination and liturgical tradition of the church in question.
On Lazarus Saturday, readings from the Bible may include Hebrews 12:28-13:8 and John 11:1-45.
On Christian Hymns of Lazarus Saturday, the world comes together to commemorate Jesus Christ’s miracle resurrection of Lazarus from death. The gospel “Lazarus, Come Forth” is often sung during this celebration.
‘At the liturgy of Lazarus Saturday,
the Church glorifies Christ as
“the Resurrection and the Life”
who, by raising Lazarus,
has confirmed the universal resurrection of mankind
even before his own suffering and death.‘
Source: orthodoxtacoma.com
Understanding the Spiritual Significance of Lazarus Saturday
The Saturday before Palm Sunday (Lazarus Saturday) is an important day in Christianity, emphasising how God has power over death and that He desires us to be unified with Him forever in eternal life.
Furthermore, it explores some of the most profound questions about existence and mortality, death and the afterlife, raising our hope for a life beyond this one. It is a reminder that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning in the presence of God.
On this day, much emphasis is placed on repentance, prayer, but also joyful inner preparation as we strive to achieve the spiritual perfection that Jesus exemplified. The resurrection of Lazarus should encourage us to take a closer look at our own lives and make changes that bring us closer to God and happiness!
Final thoughts
As a conclusion, we hope this article has provided Christians with the necessary preparation and understanding of the holiday, but readers of any faith may benefit from it, as long as they are open to learning about the spiritual significance of this day and its importance for Christianity.
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The Miracle of Life: The Story of Lazarus in Christianity
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