Celebrations in honor of St. Lazarus with cross procession held in Larnaca
Services and a procession in honor of St. Lazarus – Christ’s friend whom He raised on the fourth day after death – were held in Cyprus.
On April 4, 2026, celebrations in honor of St. Lazarus were held in Larnaca, Cyprus, with the participation of clergy, government officials, and large numbers of faithful, Orthodoxia News Agency reported.
On that day, a hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of St. Lazarus, led by Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition, concelebrating with hierarchs and clergy. Government representatives and local residents were present at the service. At the end of the Liturgy, children from catechetical groups performed traditional hymns.
In the evening, a hierarchical Vespers service was held, followed by a procession through the streets of Larnaca with the relics and icon of St. Lazarus. The procession included clergy, government officials, military representatives, scout organizations, and the city philharmonic orchestra.
The day before, on April 3, a solemn Vespers service was held at the church with the participation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
According to the Gospel, Christ raised Lazarus on the fourth day after his death, bearing witness to His authority over death. According to tradition, Lazarus later lived in Cyprus and became the first bishop of Kition, where he is venerated to this day.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Archbishop of Cyprus had once again spoken about Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus.
