συνοδικός
April 20 / April 7
2019 (7527)
VEN. GEORGE THE CONFESSOR, BISHOP OF MITYLENE (820). MARTYR CALLIOPUS AT POMPEIOPOLIS IN CILICIA (304). MARTYRS RUFINUS DEACON, AQUILINA, AND 200 SOLDIERS AT SINOPE (310). VEN. SERAPION OF EGYPT, MONK (5TH C.). VEN. DANIEL, ABBOT, OF PEREYASLAV (1540)
Sixth Saturday of the Great Lent: LAZARUS SATURDAY. THE RESURRECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS LAZARUS
Ἀνάστασις τοῦ Λαζάρου
Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day. According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."
• The BYZANTINE Icon of the Mother of God appeared on 7 April 732. It was transferred to Russia from Rome // APR 7 // MAY 1 //
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ρουφίνος καὶ Ἀκυλίνη οἱ Μάρτυρες καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτοὶς διακόσιοι Μάρτυρες
The Holy Martyr Rufinus the Deacon, the Martyress Acelina and with them 200 Soldiers suffered in about the year 310 in the city of Sinope on the Black Sea during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311). When the holy deacon Rufinus was put into prison for confessing the Christian faith, the martyress Acelina showed concern. For this she was also placed under guard. In prison they converted to Christ by their miracles 200 soldiers, and all of them together were beheaded by the sword.
• 13 Martyrs: EPIPHANIUS a bishop in North Africa, DONATUS, RUFINUS and Companions
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἐπιφάνιος, Ρουφίνος καὶ Δονάτος οἱ Μάρτυρες καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτοῖς μαρτυρήσαντες
• Monks LLEWELLYN (LLywelyn) and GWRNERTH (6th c.) from Wales who lived in Welshpool and later on Bardsey
• PROCOPIOS and PETER
• Repose of Schemamonk AGAPITUS the Blind of Valaam (1905)
Ὁ Ὅσιος Ἀγαπητὸς ὁ Τυφλός
• Hieromartyr ALEXEJ Andronnikov, Priest (1918)
• Sainted TIKHON (Vasily Belavin) of Moscow and Enlightener of North America (1865-1925)
Perhaps the saint’s own words can best sum up his life: “May God teach every one of us to strive for His truth, and for the good of the Holy Church, rather than something for our own sake.”
• Hieromartyr ARCADIUS 阿尔喀迪 Dobronravov, presbiter, archpriest (1868-1933) • Martyress EUDOCIA 艾弗多基亚 Pavlova, novice (1876-1939) day of death in Siblag KZ, Novosibirsk
• SAVVAS the New of Kalymnos (1862-1948) the patron saint of the Greek island of Kalymnos, where he lived during the last twenty years of his life as the priest and spiritual father of the nuns of the Convent of All Saints. He was a great ascetic, confessor, Icon painter, and miracle-worker // MAR 25 //
Ὁ Ὅσιος Σάββας ὁ Νέος ὁ ἐν Καλύμνῳ
• JUSTIN (Blagoje Popovic) of Chelije in Serbia (1894-1979) an Eastern Orthodox theologian, archimandrite of the Ćelije Monastery, Dostoyevsky scholar, a champion of anti-communism, a writer, and a critic of the pragmatic church (ecclesiastical) life // MAR 25 //
• APHRAATES of Antioch, Hermit (345)
• BRYNACH (Bemach, Bemacus, Bernach, Bernacus, Brenach or Bryynach the Irishman) of Carn-Engyle, of Wales (5th c.)
Brynach was an Irishman who settled in Wales, where he built a hermitage and a church at a place called Carn-Engyle (Mountain of Angels) overlooking the Nevern (Pembrokeshire). Traditionally, the place received its name because Brynach was in constant communication with the angels. He built a cell and church at a place called Carn-Englyi (Mountain of the Angels), overhanging Nefyn in Gwynedd in Wales. His church became the principal church of the district. Some authors identify him with Saint Brannock of Braunton.
• Martyr CALLIOPUS 卡利奥普 at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia (304) who was crucified on Great Friday
Ὁ Ἅγιος Καλλιόπιος ὁ Μάρτυρας
殉道者，圣卡利奥普
卡利奥普的父亲是庞菲利亚的佩尔加的元老，在经过恒切的祷告之下，上帝赋予了他唯一的儿子。在卡利奥普年幼时期，他虔诚的母亲特奥克雷亚就教导他尊崇上帝，并过圣洁的生活。在马克西米安皇帝在位期间开始了可怕的迫害运动，当时的卡利奥普尚且年轻。为了使卡利奥普逃脱死亡，他的母亲将他放在小船上，给了他一些钱，并眼看着他前往庞培波利斯的方向。不管怎样，上帝通过他的天意有另外的安排。当小船抵达庞培波利斯时，正好那里举行一个多神教的庆典活动。当时卡利奥普拒绝参加这可笑的聚会，在群众的坚持下，卡利奥普被推到了指挥官玛克西默面前，在这个指挥官面前卡利奥普宣告了他是基督徒。指挥官命令用铅制的丝条鞭打卡利奥普，并在火上烧烤他。遍体鳞伤的卡利奥普最后被投入了监狱。在得知儿子遭受的不幸后，特奥克雷亚将全部财产送给了穷人，带上一点点的钱来监狱看望儿子。来到监狱之后，特奥克雷亚跪倒在儿子面前，为儿子包裹伤口。最后，指挥官宣布了最后的刑罚，将卡利奥普钉死在十字架上。母亲的心悲喜交加，当卡利奥普被带到刑场上时，他的母亲偷偷地塞给刽子手五个金币，请求他们在施刑时不要象主耶稣受刑时那样，而要头脚倒置的方式。特奥克雷亚这样作完全是出于在主面前谦卑的缘故。就在圣星期四这一天，卡利奥普被钉死在十字架上，头朝下，脚朝上。他的母亲站在十字架下面，不断地赞美上帝。第二天，当卡利奥普的尸体从十字架上被放下来的时候，母亲扑倒在他的尸体上，随同他的儿子离开了这个世界。由此，他们母子二人共同前往荣耀的宝座面前，当时为公元304年。
Calliopus was martyred at Pompeiopolis, Cilicia, by being crucified upside down under Maximian (Diocletian) because of his fidelity to the Cross.
• Venerable DANIEL 但以理 Abbot of Peryaslavl-Zalesski (1540) founder of St Daniel Monastery// APR 7 // JUL 28 // DEC 30 //
Ὁ Ὅσιος Δανιὴλ τοῦ Περεγιασλάβλ
可敬的佩雷亚斯拉沃的达尼伊尔
达尼伊尔有一个独特的修行方式，这就是照顾死人。他只要听说有人冻死或是其他方式的死亡，就会匆忙赶至为死人进行安葬，并向上帝为这死人作祷告。达尼伊尔于公元1540年平安离世，他的圣髑保存完好。
• FINAN (Finnian) (6th c.) born in Munster in Ireland, he was a disciple of St Brendan, at whose wish he founded and governed a monastery at Kinnitty (Cean-e-thich) in Offaly of which he is the patron
Spiritual student of Saint Brendan the Navigator. Founded a monastery at Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland.
• GABRIEL Archbishop of Ryazan and Zaraisk (1862)
• Sainted GEORGE 格奥尔吉 Patriarch of Jerusalem (807)
• GEORGE 格奥尔吉 the Confessor, Bishop of Mitylene, exiled to Kherson (820)
Ὁ Ἅγιος Γεώργιος ὁ Σημειοφόρος Ἐπίσκοπος Μυτιλήνης
宣信者，圣格奥尔吉
通过长久和艰苦的修行，格奥尔吉达到了伟大的美德，由此，格奥尔吉被选为米特雷内的都主教。这位圣人谨慎且热情地牧养他的信众，直到年纪老迈为止。亚美尼亚人莱翁皇帝在位期间开始对基督徒进行迫害，捣毁了很多圣像，并传召年迈的格奥尔吉到君士坦丁堡出席由他召集的主教会议，目的就是禁止敬拜圣像。格奥尔吉不但拒绝莱翁王的旨意，还同其他勇敢的主教们一起捍卫圣像。由此，他遭到了莱翁王的嘲笑，并被流放到赫尔松。在流放期间，格奥尔吉在那里忍受了身体上的一切苦难和折磨，渡过他的后半生。格奥尔吉于公元816年魂归天国，得以进入永生。由于他的神圣和对主耶稣伟大的爱，格奥尔吉在生前和死后都拥有施行奇迹的能力。
Bishop George of Mitylene, Lesbos Island, is called 'the Younger' because two of his predecessors in that see and century, also named George, are venerated as saints.
• Venerable hieromonk GERASIMUS 格拉息默 of Byzantium (1739) of Patmos
Ὁ Ὅσιος Γεράσιμος ὁ Βυζάντιος
• GORAN (Woranus) of Cornwall (8th c.) friend of Saint Patrick, lived at Bodmin before St Petroc and several churches are dedicated to him in Cornwall
• Venerable GREGORY 格里高利 the Sinaite (1346) a great neptic father and teacher of noetic prayer to Mount Athos and the Balkan people
Ὁ Ὅσιος Γρηγόριος ὁ Σιναΐτης
可敬的西奈的格里哥利
这位伟大的圣人是西奈山和圣山阿托斯的修行者（8月8日）。
• GUAINERTH (Weonard) (6th c.) Patron of a chapel in Herefordshire, England
• HEGESIPPUS the Chronicler, of Palestine (180) a Jew born in Jerusalem, he spent twenty years of his life in Rome. He is considered to be the father of Church History but only a few chapters of his work remain
Saint Hegesippus was by nation a Jew who joined the Church of Jerusalem, when the disasters attaining his unhappy land opened his eyes to see their cause. His writings were known to Saint Jerome and Eusebius and were praised by them and by all of antiquity. Saint Hegesippus journeyed to Rome, stopping to visit all important churches along his way, afterwards remaining there for nearly twenty years, from the pontificate of Pope Saint Anicetus to that of Saint Eleutherius. During the time of the latter he returned to the Orient, where he died at an advanced age, probably in Jerusalem in the year 180, according to the chronicle of Alexandria. Saint Hegisippus wrote in the year 133 a history of the Church entitled Memoirs, which was composed of five books and covered the time from the Passion of Christ until that year, that is, one hundred years; the loss of this work, of which only a few fragments remain, is extremely regretted. In it he gave illustrious proofs of his faith, and placed in evidence the apostolic tradition, proving that although certain men had disturbed the Church by broaching heresies, yet even to his day no episcopal see or individual church had fallen into error. This testimony he gave after having personally visited all the principal churches, both of the East and the West, with the intention of gathering all authentic traditions concerning the life of Our Lord and of the Apostles.
• LAZARUS the Righteous (Lazarus the Just) the friend of Christ (1st c.) "Of the Four Days" (in the tomb), bishop of Kition in Cyprus, righteous // DAY OF RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS MOVABLE FEAST 6TH SATURDAY OF THE GREAT LENT, LAZARUS SATURDAY // OCT 17/30 TR REL //
Ὁ Ἅγιος Λάζαρος ὁ Δίκαιος, ὁ φίλος τοῦ Χριστοῦ
Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, is the subject of a prominent miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus restores him to life four days after his death. According to the Gospel of John, Lazarus lived in the town of Bethany (approximately two miles outside of Jerusalem in the present day West Bank) with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. On His way to Jerusalem before the Passover, the sisters had sent word to Jesus and His Apostles that Lazarus was ill. The Lord tarried where He was, later perceiving Lazarus' death. When He arrived, Lazarus had already been in his tomb for four days. When Martha reproached Our Lord for not arriving sooner, Christ assured her that Lazarus would rise. Martha mistook this for the universal resurrection on Judgment Day, to which He replied, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). In the presence of the mourners, the Lord ordered the stone rolled away from Lazarus' tomb and bade him to come forth. Lazarus did so, still in his grave wrappings. Jesus then called for the crowd to remove the wrappings and free him. St John goes on to explain that even more Jews were convinced of Jesus' divinity. This event struck fear into the hearts of the Jewish leaders, so much so that they even considered putting Lazarus to death (John 12:9-11). The religious hierarchy of the Jews at this time was dominated by Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. The Raising of Lazarus represents a testimony to the resurrection - both Christ's and the universal resurrection, as well as Our Lord as victor over death. According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. He is most commonly associated with Cyprus, where he is said to have become the first bishop of Kition (Larnaka), and Provence, where he is said to have been the first bishop of Marseille. When Apostle Paul and Apostle Barnabas travelled to Cyprus, they ordained Lazarus as the first Bishop of Kition. This is why all episcopal thrones in Larnaca have the icon of St. Lazarus instead of Christ, which is the standard custom of the church. Another famous tradition related to Lazarus is the discovery of Mount Athos in 52 AD by the Theotokos. Lazarus was very close to the Virgin Mary and he was very grieved that he could not return to Jerusalem to visit her (he was still in fear of the Jews). The Theotokos learned of his sorrow and sent him a letter to comfort him. She asked that he might send a ship to her that she might visit him in Cyprus. With great joy, Lazarus sent a ship to the Holy Land to bring the Virgin Mary and John, the beloved disciple to Cyprus for a visit. However on their journey, a great storm blew them off course and carried them to the shores of Ephesus and then the ship to the shores of Athos, Greece. Unaware that divine providence had brought her to this area, the Virgin Mary completely taken by the beauty of the area, prayed to her son that this could be her garden devoted to prayer to "fight the good fight of faith". Having converted, blessed and established a new Christian community from the local idolaters they set sail for Cyprus and met with Lazarus. Further establishing the apostolic nature of Lazarus' appointment, was the tradition that the bishop's omophorion and epimanikia were presented to Lazarus by the Virgin Mary, who had woven it herself. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."
• LEUCIUS 莱弗基 Abbot of Volokolamsk (1492)
Ὁ Ὅσιος Λεύκιος ἐκ Ρωσίας
• Venerable NILUS 尼尔 Abbot of Sora (1403-1508) founder of Sora Skete, Belozersk
可敬的尼尔•索斯基
尼尔是俄罗斯教诲伟大的神父之一。他是俄罗斯斯切特修行生活的创始人。他于公元1508年平安地魂归天国。他的圣髑被安置在索斯基修道院中。他的有关斯切特修行生活规则是修士灵修生活的至高无上的典范。
• Hieromartyr priest PELAGIUS of Alexandria, Egypt
• Hieromartyr priest PELEUSIUS of Alexandria
• ROS of Downpatrick
• RUISEN of Inis-Picht, modern Spike Island, County Cork
• RUSSEUS (Russenus) the son of Rodan, who was one of St Columba's companions, when his first missionary expedition to Britain was undertaken
• Sainted SATURNINUS Bishop of Verona in Italy (356)
• Venerable SERAPION 塞拉彼雍 the Syndonite, monk of Egypt (356)
The Monk Serapion lived during the V Century in Egypt. He was called the Syndonite-wearer since he wore only a coarse linen garb, called a "syndon". From the time of his youth the monk lived, like the birds of the sky, not having a shelter, and for several days at a time he did not eat, not having the means to buy bread. He gave away his syndon-garb to a beggar, shivering from the cold, and he himself remained half-naked. A certain Greek philosopher, wanting to test the non-covetousness of the monk, one time gave the monk a gold coin and kept an eye on him. The saint went to the bread market, bought with it one loaf of bread, gave the merchant the gold coin and left, having no regard for the exchange value of the money. Saint Serapion by a special path led many on the way of salvation. One time he gave himself over into slavery to a Greek actor, whom he saw fit to convert to Christ. The actor, imitating the example of the holy life of the saint, believed and was baptised together with all his family. He besought Saint Serapion to remain with him not as a servant, but as a guide and friend, but the monk withdrew, not taking any of the money offered him. Having set off to Rome, Saint Serapion got on a ship, but paid nothing to the ship-owners. At first they began to reproach him for this, but noticing that the elder had gone five days already without eating, they began to feed him for the sake of God and in this they fulfilled the command of the Lord. At Rome the monk continued to wander about, going from house to house, having nothing, gathering together only but spiritual wealth for himself and for his neighbour.
• Uncovering (1517) of the relics of Saint SERAPION Archbishop of Novgorod (1516) • Repose of Schemamonk THEODORE of Svira (1822)
• THEOCLEIA (Theoclea, Theoclia) of Perga in West Pamphylia, W. (4th c.) mpther of St Calliopius
Calliopius was the only son of a senator from Pamphylia and his wife Theoclea, who had long prayed to God for a child. The devout Theoclea reared her son in purity of life and love for God from infancy. When persecution of Christians broke out under Maximian, Theoclea put Calliopius aboard a ship bound for Pompeiopolis to save him from the persecutors. But Calliopius, as soon as he disembarked, encountered a pagan festival, where he was arrested when he refused to make sacrifice to the idols. Brought before the governor Maximus, he freely confessed that he was a Christian. For this he was cruelly tortured and thrown into prison. His mother, hearing of his torments, sold her goods and hurried to comfort him and encourage him in his martyrdom. Calliopius was sentenced to death by crucifixion, as it happened on Holy Thursday; but the holy Theoclea bribed the officials to postpone the execution by one day, so that her son might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the day that He endured it; she also prevailed upon the torturers to crucify Calliopius upside-down (like St Peter) in humility toward the Lord. When her son's lifeless body was taken down from the cross, Theoclea cast herself upon it and died.
• Bishop VILLICUS of Metz (568) governed the see of Metz from 543 to 568. He was praised for his virtues by Venantius Fortunatus
SYNAXARION FOR THE SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
By Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos
On this day, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we celebrate the Raising of Lazarus, the holy and righteous friend of Christ, who lay for four days in the tomb.
Lazarus was a Hebrew by birth and a Pharisee by profession, and, as has been ascertained, was a son of Simon the Pharisee, from the village of Bethany. When our Lord Jesus Christ was sojourning in the land for the salvation of our race, Simon was united to Him in friendship. Since Christ was constantly conversing with Simon, in view of the latter’s professed belief in the resurrection of the dead, and frequently visited his house, Lazarus became His close friend, and not only Lazarus himself, but also his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Now that the saving Passion was drawing near, it was necessary to provide a more precise assurance of the Mystery of the Resurrection. While Jesus was staying beyond Jordan, having previously raised the daughter of Jairus and the son of the widow from the dead, His friend Lazarus reposed, overcome by a serious illness. Jesus, therefore, though absent, said to His Disciples, “Lazarus sleepeth,” and again, after a short time, “Lazarus is dead.” Leaving the region around Jordan, He went to Bethany, having been summoned by the sisters of the deceased man (Bethany is about fifteen stadia from Jerusalem). He was met by the sisters of Lazarus, who said: “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, our brother would not have died; but even now, if it be Thy will, Thou shalt raise him up; for Thou canst do so.” Jesus asked the crowd: “Where have ye laid him?” At once, they all led Him to the tomb. When the stone had been removed, Martha said: “Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been dead four days.” Then Jesus prayed, and, shedding tears for the one who lay there, cried with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come forth.” The dead man immediately came forth, and after being unbound, left for home. This wondrous miracle aroused the people of the Hebrews, who raged against Christ, to envy. Jesus departed once more. The High Priests plotted to kill Lazarus, because many who saw him joined with Christ. But Lazarus, on learning what they had in mind, fled to the island of Cyprus, and sojourning there, was later made Bishop of the city of Kition by the Apostles. Having lived a good and God-pleasing life for thirty years after he was revived, he reposed again. He is buried in that place, where he has wrought many miracles.
It is said that after he was brought back to life he ate nothing without first sweetening it, and that the All-Pure Mother of God made his Omophorion with her own hands and presented him with it. On the basis of a Divine vision, the most wise Emperor Leo transferred this precious and holy Relic from Cyprus and deposited it reverently and at great expense in the Church dedicated to St. Lazarus which he had built in Constantinople; it lies on the right as you enter the Church by the front walls of the holy Altar. This precious Relic of his remains there to this day, giving off an ineffable fragrance.
Our Holy and God-bearing Fathers, or rather, the Holy Apostles, decreed that the Raising of Lazarus be celebrated on this day, after the forty-day Fast, and they decreed that the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ be celebrated after this, because they ascertained that this miracle was the beginning and cause of the fury of the Jews against Christ, and this is why they assigned this place to such a preternatural wonder. Only St. John the Evangelist wrote about this event, since the other Evangelists passed over it—perhaps because Lazarus was still alive and visible. It is said that this is the reason why St. John wrote the rest of his Gospel, and also because the other Evangelists said nothing about the unoriginate Nativity of Christ; for this is what men were being asked to believe, that Christ was the Son of God and God, that He arose, and that there would be a resurrection of the dead. The latter is more credible on account of the Raising of Lazarus. Lazarus said nothing about the realm of Hades, either because he was not permitted to see things there perfectly or because, having seen them, he was commanded to keep silent about them. It is on this basis that every recently deceased person is called “Lazarus” and his burial shroud is called a lazároma, the word perhaps hinting that we should bring to mind the first Lazarus; for if the latter was raised by the word of Christ and came to life again, so the former, although he has died, will rise again at the last trumpet and live eternally.
By the intercessions of Thy friend Lazarus, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.
LAZARUS SATURDAY[1]
Synaxarion of the Lenten Triodion and Pentecostarion
On this day, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we celebrate the fourth-day raising from the dead of Lazarus, the righteous friend of Christ.
Lazarus[2] was a Hebrew, of the sect of the Pharisees and, as far as is known, he was the son of Simon the Pharisee, who dwelt in the village of Bethany. He became a friend of our Lord Jesus Christ when He sojourned on earth for the salvation of our race. For when Christ continually conversed with Simon, entering his house and discoursing on the resurrection from the dead, Lazarus was quite pleased with the genuineness of this teaching, and not only he, but also his two sisters, Martha and Mary.
As the time of the Savior's Passion drew near, when it was especially necessary to believe in the Mystery of the Resurrection, Jesus was sojourning on the other side of the Jordan. Here, He raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus and the son of the widow. At this time, His friend, Lazarus, contracted a grievous illness and died. Then Jesus, even though He was not present there, said to His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up" (John 11:11), and again a little later, "Lazarus is dead." (See John 11:14.) Then Jesus left the Jordan and went to Bethany, which was about fifteen stadia (approximately 2 miles) away from Jerusalem. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, went to meet Him and said, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you" (John 11:21-22). Jesus asked the crowd, "Where have you laid him?" (See John 11:34.) Immediately everyone went to the tomb. As the stone was removed, Martha said, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days" (John 11:39). He shed tears for the one lying there, and He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth" (John 11:43). At once, he who was dead came forth, was unbound, and set out for home amidst great rejoicing and thanksgiving. This strange wonder roused the Hebrew people to malice, and they were infuriated with Christ. But Jesus once more fled and escaped. The high priests determined to kill Lazarus, because many who saw him were won over to Christ. Since Lazarus knew what they were thinking, he sailed away to Cyprus. He dwelt there and was later elevated by the Holy Apostles to be Archbishop of Citium (present-day Larnaka). He was beloved by God, conducting himself most nobly as an archpastor, performing many miracles.
Thirty years after his resurrection, in 63 A.D., he died once more and was buried in Citium.[3]
It is said that after his return to life Lazarus ate only meals having some sweetness. Also, it is related that the All-Holy Mother of God sewed his omophorion and cuffs with her own hands and presented them to him as a gift. Furthermore, it is told that Lazarus never laughed but once after being raised from the dead and that was when he observed someone stealing a clay vessel. At that point he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." Lazarus said nothing concerning those in Hades, either because he was not permitted to behold anything, or he was directed to be silent about what he had seen.
The most wise emperor Leo, in 890 A.D., after a divine vision, transported the precious and holy relics of this saint to Constantinople to the church of St. Lazarus that he had constructed and deposited them reverently and ceremoniously to the right of the church's entrance against the front walls of the holy bema. Here his precious relics still remain, exuding an ineffable fragrance. The translation of his holy relics is commemorated on October 17.
The resurrection of Lazarus is appointed to be celebrated on this present day, after the forty- day purifying Fast, because our Holy and God-bearing Fathers, especially the Holy Apostles, found this miracle to be the beginning and cause of the fury of the Jews against Christ, when He was about to give Himself over to His Holy Sufferings. For this reason they placed this extraordinary and wonderful event here. In addition, the placement of this feast by the Holy Fathers serves as a necessary rest" and "transition" between the rigors of the Fast and the awesome and saving events of Holy Week. For in truth, yesterday evening's Vespers not only ended the Holy Forty Days, but also ushered us into a joyous resurrectional prelude that will eventually lead to our Savior's Passion.
St. John the Theologian alone records the raising of Lazarus, since the other Evangelists omitted it - perhaps because Lazarus was still living and able to be seen. It is said that the rest of the Gospel of John was written about the eternal begottenness of Christ, the other Evangelists including nothing about this. It is desired to believe that Christ is both the Son of God and God, that He is risen, and that there will be a resurrection of the dead. And because of the raising of Lazarus, this is especially to be believed since his resurrection is a confirmation of the universal resurrection of man. Therefore, from this event, every man who has already died is said to be a "Lazarus," and the burial garment is called a Lazaroma, for the word alludes to the remembrance of the first Lazarus. For if Lazarus was raised by the word of Christ and came back to life again, so all men, even if they have died, will rise at the last trumpet and live eternally.
Through the intercessions of Your beloved friend, St. Lazarus,
О Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Notes:
[1]Translated from Greek
[2]Lazarus is a Hellenized form of Eleazar, which means "God has helped."
[3]In the church of St. Lazarus in Larnaka, Cyprus, is his tomb, which was discovered in 1890 with the inscription, "Lazarus the four-days-dead and friend of Christ."
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
愿上帝怜恤我罪人
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
for the sake of the prayers
of Thy most pure Mother,
our holy and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us.
Amen.
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Blessed be God.
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