What do the Orthodox celebrate on Lazarus Saturday?
Lazarus Saturday is called “The little Pascha”. Lazarus Resurrection, took place on Saturday and is considered a precursor of Christ Resurrection. The Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s miracle raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle symbolizes the victory of Jesus Christ over the death. Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which follows one day after, are two very important days that signify Christ’s triumph before his arrest and sufferings during the Holy Week.
Before Jesus raising up Lazarus, he himself told Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
Who was Lazarus from Bethany?
Lazarus was a beloved friend of Jesus. Martha and Maria were his sisters. Lazarus stayed four days in the tomb. The Lazarus tomb in Bethany is a site of pilgrims. Bethany is a city near Jerusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The Othodox church commemorates Lazarus one Saturday before the Holy Week. The date is different every year since it is a moveable celebration.
Two traditions of Lazarus Saturday: “Lazarakia’’ and the Carols for Lazarus:
There are a lot of customs associated with Lazarus Saturday. On this Saturday the most widespread tradition is to make “Lazarakia”, which is the Lazarus bread. “Lazarakia” are small sweet pieces of bread. “Lazarakia” look like Lazarus appearance in the icon of his resurrection. Each region of Greece has a variation of how they make them. However, most have a similar sweet flavor.
Carols for Lazarus
Some lyrics of Lazarus Carols are as follows:
Let us tell the story of Lazarus!
Good evening, good evening, Lazarus came with the palm branches!
If you sleep and if you sit, wake up!
Christ went to Bethany because there was much unbelief there.
Those who learned of his coming, all ran to Him.
Everyone ran, young and old, all Christians, Jews and others.
Others said, He is Blessed, He who comes and preaches.
Then Christ goes ahead and the people follow Him.
Then Martha and Mary ran, because they were in great need.
Where is Lazarus, where is my brother, where is my friend and cousin?
[…]
Who were the “Lazarines”?
In the past, “Lazarines”, were the young ladies who sang the carols holding baskets with flowers in their hands and the “Lazarakia”.In central Greece, Thessaly, Macedonia and Thrace, “Lazarines” went from house to house to sing the carols. In this way, they honored this brilliant day of the Christ miracle. Nowadays, this custom remains.
Moreover, on Lazarus Saturday in Rhodes, in Crete and Epirus children go from door to door singing the carols. They collect money and eggs.
Happy Lazarus Saturday to all!
Λεξιλόγιο
1/ το θαύμα = miracle
2/ ο τάφος = tomb
3/ πιστεύω = to believe
4/ ο θάνατος = death
5/ σηκώνω = to raise
