In Bethany, Jerusalem Patriarch leads celebration of Lazarus Saturday
The Lazarus Saturday services at the site of his resurrection took place under heightened security measures this year.
On April 4, 2026, on Lazarus Saturday, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem celebrated the Divine Liturgy and led a procession in Bethany, reports the website jerusalem-patriarchate.
During the divine service at the Bethany monastery at the site associated with the resurrection of righteous Lazarus, the Patriarch was concelebrated by hierarchs of the Jerusalem Church. Despite the solemn nature of the feast, access for laypeople to participate in the service was limited due to the ongoing military conflict.
In his sermon, Patriarch Theophilos reminded the faithful of the spiritual significance of the event, emphasizing that the resurrection of Lazarus is a testimony to Christ's victory over death and a foreshadowing of the universal resurrection: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." He noted that this event affirms the Church's faith in resurrection and reveals the mystery of Divine economy.
After the liturgy, the clergy performed a procession to Lazarus's tomb, where they read the Gospel narrative of his resurrection.
As the UOJ wrote, celebrations in honor of Saint Lazarus with a procession took place in Larnaca.
