Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of the Raising of Lazarus in pine wood with carved decoration.

The Saturday of Lazarus is a glorious feast, during which we commemorate the resurrection of Christ's close friend, Lazarus. According to the New Testament, Lazarus one day became seriously ill and died. His sisters Martha and Mary notified Jesus that his friend was dying but He delayed his arrival in Bethany. As soon as Christ arrived and saw Lazarus's tomb, he wept and cried out: "Lazarus, come out!". Lazarus was resurrected four days after his death, which caused the deadly hatred of the Pharisees.

After his resurrection, the righteous Lazarus went to Kition, Cyprus, where he was ordained a bishop by the apostles Paul and Barnabas. According to Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Constantia in Cyprus, Lazarus was 30 years old when he was resurrected and lived another 30 years, until he surrendered his soul to God. The tomb of Lazarus is located in a rock on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The Resurrection of Lazarus is celebrated eight days before Easter.

Apolytikion of the Raising of Lazarus

First Tone

O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. "