Lazarus is a four-day bishop. Lazarus the Four-Day

As presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov

The holy righteous Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, lived with his sisters near Jerusalem, in the village of Bethany. Lazarus and his sisters were rewarded with special favor from the Lord Jesus Christ (John 11: 3.). During His earthly life, the Lord often visited their home in Bethany, called Lazarus His friend (John 11:11.), And shortly before His suffering raised Lazarus from the dead, after he had already been in the tomb for four days 1. After this event, only one more time is mentioned about Lazarus in the Holy Scriptures, and it was when, 6 days before Easter, the Lord came again to Bethany, the resurrected Lazarus was there (John 12: 1-2). While the Lord was in Bethany, many of the Jews learned that He was there, and they came not only for Jesus Christ, but to see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Many of them were convinced of the truth of the miracle performed by the Lord, turned to faith in Him and became His followers. Seeing this, the chief priests then decided to kill Lazarus (John 12: 9-11.). We know nothing more about Lazarus from the Gospel.

Tradition says that Lazarus, after his resurrection, remained alive for another 30 years, was a bishop on the island of Cyprus 2, where, like the apostles, he worked hard in spreading Christianity, and died there peacefully. In the 9th century after the birth of Christ, St. The relics of the righteous Lazarus were found in the city of Kitia 3, where they lay in the ground, in a marble ark, on which was written: "Lazarus, four days old, friend of Christ." This honest treasure was taken out of the earth and placed in a silver shrine, and under the Byzantine emperor Leo the Wise, it was transferred to Constantinople, and placed in the temple in the name of righteous Lazarus, built by the emperor Basil the Macedonian.

Troparion to Lazarus the Four-Day, Bishop Kitiysky:

As treasure and riches are great, / come to us from Cyprus, Lazarus, / by the Providence of all God, by the command of a pious king, / giving healing to those who honor thee, / saving them from troubles and from all harm, / by faith those who cry to you: / save everyone with your prayers Our Father Lazarus.

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1 John 11: 17-44. The resurrection of Lazarus is remembered by the Church on Saturday of the 6th week (Lazarus Saturday) of Great Lent. This miracle was one of the greatest miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ: it clearly testified of His Divine omnipotence and His dominion over death, and together served as a living sign of our common resurrection and a prototype of the resurrection of the Lord Himself.

Travelers from all over the world consider the island of Cyprus to be one of the best beach destinations on earth. Magnificent nature, gentle sea, bright sun, well-equipped beaches - what could be better for lovers of such a pastime?

Nevertheless, for many tourists, such a vacation very soon becomes tiresome, and they are interested in what can be seen in Cyprus. First of all, we recommend that you visit Larnaca - a unique attraction of the island, perfectly preserved to this day since the Byzantine era.

This magnificent structure is considered by the Cypriots to be one of the most beautiful on the island. In ancient times, Christians who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land always visited the Church of St. Lazarus. It should be noted that the temple is conveniently located - in the very center of Larnaca, so you can easily get here on your own, even if you stay in another city. In recent years, bus service has been actively developing in Cyprus, and you can also use the taxi service, which can be called from any hotel.

Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, Cyprus: history

The construction of the famous temple began in 890. The work was carried out on the site of the church that existed at that time, where a friend of Jesus Christ himself, Lazarus, was buried. For the construction of the temple, the emperor Leo VI the Wise allocated funds to the city of Kition (this is what Larnaca was called at that time).

Initially, during the Venetian occupation of the island, the temple was named. It was part of the empire. After the capture of Cyprus by the Turks, the church was bought (1589) by the Orthodox Church. The Turks were satisfied with the presence of Orthodoxy on this land, since they in every possible way tried to reduce the influence of Catholicism in this region. At the same time, Catholics received permission to hold services twice a year in the temple (in a small chapel). It adjoined the altar from the north and survived until 1794.

Features of the temple during the reign of the Ottomans

During the Ottoman Empire, the Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca) lost its bell ringing, and the belfries themselves were banned. The bells in the temple were on wooden structures, but since in Larnaca the Turkish influence was not as harsh as in others they were not removed.

At the request of Russia in 1856, this ban was lifted. A few years later, a stone bell tower was built, which was subsequently repeatedly destroyed and restored.

Saint Lazarus

All ancient Christian churches keep many legends and traditions. The Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus) is no exception. Saint Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus Christ. On the fourth day after death, he was resurrected by Jesus. Therefore, Lazarus is often called the Four-Day.

Upon learning of the great miracle, the Jews decided to kill Lazarus, and he was forced to flee Jerusalem. Together with a group of other disciples of Jesus, he went to Cyprus. Arriving on the island, Lazarus was proclaimed the holy apostles to the bishops of the city of Kition, where he lived for 30 years.

After his death, Lazarus was buried in a marble tomb. Five hundred years later, Emperor Leo IV ordered to build a stone church on the site of the saint's burial. Saint Lazarus is the patron saint of the city of Larnaca, and the temple built in his honor has long been the educational, cultural, religious and social center of the city. For 250 years, the Church of St. Lazarus has opened hospitals and schools, kept order in cemeteries. She also supported the needy, paid for the education of students, defended the interests of the townspeople. According to historians, such an active public position was not at all typical for most of the churches in Cyprus at that time.

Cypriots are very proud that Saint Lazarus lived on their land. Since ancient times, they have been making up legends about him. One of them tells about how Lake Aliki (Salt) appeared. Once upon a time in its place was a beautiful vineyard that belonged to an elderly woman. When Lazarus, who was passing by him, exhausted with thirst and tired, asked her for a small bunch of grapes, the old woman buying up refused him. Saint Lazarus asked, pointing to a full basket of fragrant berries: "What is this?" and in response I heard: "Salt." Saddened by this outright lie, Lazarus said: "From now on, let everything here turn to salt." Since then, Lake Aliki has appeared here.

Church of Saint Lazarus (Republic of Cyprus): description

The most famous and most visited temple on the island is distinguished by its magnificent Byzantine architecture. Outwardly, it looks rather harsh and even slightly resembles a medieval fortress. Made of stone. The building is over thirty meters long.

The Church of Saint Lazarus (Republic of Cyprus) consisted of three naves and three domes. It belongs to a rare architectural type and differs significantly from most multi-domed temples. The arcade appeared here during the restoration work much later.

Near the northern entrance to the temple is the ancient emblem of the Latins. In the western part of the building is the Museum of Saint Lazarus, which contains unique religious items - icons and old books, church dishes and clothing. There is a church shop next to the museum, which sells icons depicting Lazarus, books, copies of Byzantine letters and much more. Archaeologists managed to establish that in antiquity, even the outer walls of the temple were decorated with numerous frescoes, which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day.

Interior decoration

The interior design of the temple fascinates with its mystery - twilight, a lot of gilding and silver. The Church of Saint Lazarus is famous for its unique treasure - the iconostasis made of carved wood. It was made by the talented carver Haji Taliadoros. This subtle work was completed in nine years. The iconostasis was covered with gold, it was adorned with one hundred and twenty icons. Each of them is a unique piece of art.

Under the iconostasis there is a small church carved into the rock with steps on the right leading to it. Next to the central altar there is a chapel with a preserved Latin altar.

The relics of St. Lazarus

Believers who want to worship Saint Lazarus go down to the room located under the altar. A cancer with his relics is installed here. In front of the entrance (at the eastern wall) a holy spring beats.

The relics of Lazarus were first discovered in 890 in a small church located here. Learning about the find, Leo VI ordered to transport the Holy relics to Constantinople. In 1972, scientists discovered part of the saint's remains in the sarcophagus under the altar of the church. This indicates that the inhabitants of Kition did not give up all the relics.

The sarcophagus is still in the same place today. On one of its sides an inscription is inscribed, which translates as "friend". It was made to replace the first sarcophagus, which was brought to Constantinople with part of the relics of St. Lazarus. From Kition, the relics were sent to Chrysopolis, then to the Cathedral of St. Sofia.

Later, Emperor Leo VI built another temple, consecrated in honor of Saint Lazarus (in Constantinople). The brought part of the relics was there until they were captured by the crusaders who conquered the city. They transported the remains to Marseille. Their further fate is not yet known.

Temple visit rules

If you want to visit the Church of Saint Lazarus, you should be aware of the rules that must be followed strictly.

1. Women should be dressed strictly. It is forbidden to enter the temple in shorts, mini-skirts, in open and too tight clothes.
2. During the service, men and women are seated separately. Men occupy the right side of the temple, women - the left.
3. In the church, it is forbidden to talk, take pictures and take pictures of the service, interfere with the believers.

Wedding

One very beautiful custom made the Church of St. Lazarus famous throughout the world. It's about a wedding. Travel agencies from different countries invite couples in love to consecrate their union in this ancient Christian shrine. Newlyweds from all over the world come here to receive divine support and swear eternal love.

Educational activities

Today, a cultural and educational center continues to operate at the temple, which began its activities in 1875. Then it was a parish school, and today the Church of St. Lazarus makes an invaluable contribution to the education and upbringing of children.

Now the center is located in a renovated room, which can accommodate about one hundred and fifty people at the same time. It hosts conferences, exciting lectures, film screenings, organ and classical music concerts, and small theatrical performances.

Opening hours

Probably, many tourists are interested in when to visit the Church of St. Lazarus. Temple opening hours vary with the seasons. In summer, you can visit the temple from 8:30 to 13:00, and then from 16:00 to 18:30. On Saturday, the temple is open from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. In winter (September-March) - from 8:00 to 17:00

The Orthodox Church all over the world honors the memory of Saint Lazarus a week before the Easter celebrations. This day is especially loved and celebrated in Larnaca.

08.05.2015

According to the Gospel, Saint Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. His life was connected with the Savior, because it was him who was resurrected by Christ on the fourth day after he died. In the Catholic Church, the day of St. Lazarus is considered December 17, and it is he who is considered the very first bishop who served in Marseille.

The Gospel about Lazarus is spoken of only on behalf of John, and all the events that are associated with him are associated with the resurrection. When Christ was walking to Lazarus, to the tomb where he was buried, he began to cry very much, and those standing nearby, who saw this, began to say that Jesus loved Lazarus very much. After Christ was near the cave, the stone was rolled away from it, and the Savior began to pray. Several minutes passed, and a man's hand appeared from the cave, and then the whole man, it turned out to be Lazarus. He was tied in swaddling clothes, Christ asked to be untied.

The exact burial place of Lazarus is unknown

According to the Catholic tradition, which was reflected in the Legend, Lazarus, with his sister and Mary Magdalene, decided to go to Marseille, where he began to preach the teachings of Christ. There were mostly pagans in Marseilles who did not immediately accept the new teacher. After some time, Lazarus was able to become the Bishop of Marseilles.

The relics of Lazarus were brought to the city of Kitiy, which is now called Larnaca, in a special marble reliquary. There was a small inscription on the shrine, which says that Lazarus was a friend of the Savior.

A few years later, the emperor Leo the Wise ordered to transport the relics of the saint to Constantinople, where they were placed in a small church of the same name. In the 10th century, a church named after Lazarus was built in the city of Larnaca near the tomb of Lazarus. The most interesting thing is that in the 20th century, scientists accidentally discovered a small cancer containing human remains. In their opinion, these were the remains of Saint Lazarus. Most likely, not all the relics of the saint were taken to Constantinople. Scientists continue to disagree about the burial place of Saint Lazarus, since at one time there were rumors that he was buried in Bethany, where his grave is located. This place is now considered to be Muslim, and you have to pay money to see the grave. There is a small mosque next to the grave. The city of Bethany during the Byzantine rule was called Lazarion, after it was captured by the Muslims, the city began to be called El - Azaria, which in Arabic means "the city of Lazarus".

A few facts of resurrection and the tradition of honoring Lazarus

The name Lazarus comes from an abbreviated form of another name - Elizar. If we talk about the translation of this name, it means “God helped me”. A small but very revered order of knights was named in his honor, which is called the Order of Lazarus sacred.

According to statistics, at the moment there are more than six thousand people in this order who live on different continents. The order is considered monastic, but refers to military people who take part in hostilities. It all began with the crusaders who fought in the lands of Palestine in the 11th century. Today, representatives of the order are engaged only in charity.

In Cyprus, in the city of Larnaca, where the Church of Saint Lazarus is located, a tomb is located in a small underground crypt, and there is a museum in it. This museum is assembled from unique exhibits that have not been purchased or ordered from anyone. Everything that is there was brought and donated by the parishioners of the temple, who have visited it for many centuries. It took a long time, and the museum overflowed, there was not enough space and a new building was built, which was turned into a new and expanded museum.

Art critics spoke differently about Lazarus

In the last century, Van Gogh dared to talk about an unusual interpretation of the plot presented in the New Testament. This work was very different from the canonical representation, since the Savior, who performed a miracle by resurrecting Lazarus, was shown as the Sun, and in the main place was the Saint himself with his sisters Mary and Martha. In modern Russia, Lazarus symbolizes a person who suffers from illness and poverty, although after death he was rewarded in his later life in Heaven.

In Cuba, not everyone can ask for alms, it can be done by those who have dedicated themselves to the Saint. Lazarus on this island remains the most important patron saint for the population, and not only representatives of Christianity try to celebrate the holiday, but also supporters of the Santeri, who consider Lazarus a deity, the ruler of diseases.

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) stumbled upon the life of St. Lazarus the Four-Day - the very one that is narrated in the Gospel of John. It turns out that the friend of the Lord Lazarus not only lived his life after his miraculous resurrection in holiness, but also became a bishop. However, first things first. Original .

Was a native of Bethany near Jerusalem, brother of Mary and Martha. During His life, the Lord loved them and often visited their home in Bethany, calling Lazarus His friend (John 11: 3, 5, 11).

After the untimely death of Lazarus, shedding tears over his tomb, the Lord, as the Almighty, raised him from the dead, when Lazarus had already been lying in the tomb for four days and was already stinking (John 11: 17-45)... This miracle is remembered by the Church on the sixth Saturday of Great Lent (Lazarev Saturday).

After his resurrection, Saint Lazarus withdrew to the island of Cyprus, since the chief priests decided to kill him (John 12: 9-11), where he was subsequently made bishop.

According to legend, Lazarus, being a bishop, was honored with a visit to the Mother of God and received from Her an omophorion made by Her hands. After the miraculous resurrection, Saint Lazarus lived for another 30 years, maintaining strict abstinence and died on the island of Cyprus.

Pilgrims visiting the Holy Land are shown two tombs of the righteous: one in Bethany in Jerusalem, and the other in the city of Kitim on the island of Cyprus. Before reaching the Holy City about two and a half versts, the pilgrims visit Bethany, located on the eastern side of one of the foothills of the Mount of Olives. And a little to the north-east and below the tomb of Lazarus is indicated, which is also revered by the Mohammedans. A small entrance cut into the rock leads to a narrow, deep cave.

(Bethany, Tomb of Lazarus the Four Day, photo 1893)

Going down 25 steps, the pilgrims meet a small platform with a stone table in the corner, which serves as a throne during the days of services on Lazarev Saturday. The site is considered to be the place of the Lord's appeal: “ Lazare, come out! "Five more steps down - and the burial cave. The Gospel of John about the resurrection of Lazarus is usually read here. (John 11: 1-7, 11-45) and the troparia of Palm week. First, the Lord was met by Martha, then by Mary, when He went to the tomb to awaken the friend Lazarus, - there is a large rounded "stone of conversation" from which many receive healing.

(Bethany, Tomb of Lazarus the Four Day, modern view)

And on the island of Cyprus there is a second tomb of the righteous Lazarus. 90 km from the city of Limassol, along the road between the hills, the pilgrims arrive in the city of Larnaca, where there is a temple dedicated to Lazarus, where he served. The temple stands on the site of the original church of the 9th-10th centuries, built over the tomb of Lazarus.

The present building of the temple of the 17th century. made of stone, its size is 35 x 17 m, there are two doors (from the north and west), a three-tiered bell tower, a large courtyard, a museum. The temple has four pillars, if two pillars are counted in the altar, then six pillars, everything is covered with marble. There are three side chapels. In the center is a large chandelier: 5 tiers of candles below and three tiers above, and two chandeliers on the sides. To the left of the altar is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, and to the right of the altar is the cave - the tomb of the righteous Lazarus. The entrance to the cave goes along seven steps under the altar of the temple. The size of the cave is 6 x 12 m.

(tomb of the righteous Lazarus in Cyprus under the temple, Larnaca)

The relics of the righteous Lazarus are in the middle: the head and half of his bones. And the second half of the relics was in Constantinople, the crusaders in 1291 took them to France, to Marseille. On the right is the iconostasis, in which the icons are arranged in three rows, and there are decorations in two rows between the icons. Across the cave there is a tomb with the inscription: “ Lazarus is a friend of God».

Troparion of Righteous Lazarus the Four Day
voice 4
As treasure and riches are great, / come to us from Cyprus, Lazarus, / by the Providence of all God, by the command of a pious king, / giving healing gifts to those who honor thee, / saving from troubles and from all harm, / by faith those who cry to you: / save everyone with your prayers Our Father Lazarus.

Kontakion of Righteous Lazarus the Four-Day
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Outward, like a bright star, / from Cyprus your honest relics, Lazarus, / The reigning city of sanctifying and Christ-loving king rejoices / and its people are enriching, / by you the grace of healing is given to those who faithfully call you: / Rejoice, Lazarus, friend of God.

Prayer to the holy righteous Lazarus

Oh, exceedingly delightful and fair friend of Christ, Holy Righteous Lazarus, Bethany was praised and the whole universe was a great surprise! Blessed is your house, whose Lord Jesus Christ in the days of His flesh is visiting with love, seeing the faith and kindness of your soul and your God-loving sisters Martha and Mary, you loved Him with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your thoughts and Thou art the end. Wonderful are your secrets, revealed to you by your Divine Friend and by our Lord, as if he had pleased Him, before His Cross and Resurrection, to show His Glory on you to the whole world and to create Your forerunner of His glorious from the dead of three days of Resurrection. For this, for the sake of the One, as the Lord of the belly and death, let you fall asleep in death, and be buried, and even to the depths of hell, where you saw that you are from the ages that have died in a multitude of uncountable contents of hell, and you saw terrible fears. And there, when your body has already been surrendered to the death of a mortal, after four days you heard the Divine voice of your Friend, who came to your grave: "Lazarus, come out!" And according to this voice, you abie rose from the grave, and you cheered Bethany and Martha and Marya's tears, but the Pharisees and scribes, in the hardening of the hearts of those, you frightened you. Satisfy, holy friend of Christ, our tears, sin for the sake of our shedding, revive our souls and bodies, in the tempering of the passions and impurities of sinful beings, raise us from the grave of despair and despondency, save us all from eternal death, as well as you Our Lord, raise up from mortal dormancy. And pray to the merciful God, may he grant us a partaker to be eternal life, and you, by the labor of sainthood on the island of Kritstem, yourself now enjoy in the habitation of heaven, glorifying the All-Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever. Amen.

The holy relics of Bishop Lazarus were found in Kitia. They lay in a marble ark, on which was written: "Lazarus the Four days, friend of Christ." The Byzantine emperor Leo the Wise (886-911) ordered in 898 to transfer the relics of Lazarus to Constantinople and put them in the temple in the name of righteous Lazarus.

The Complete Life of Saint Lazarus the Four-Day, Friend of God

After the untimely death of Lazarus, shedding tears over his tomb, the Lord, as the Almighty, raised him from the dead, when Lazarus had already been lying in the tomb for four days and was already stinking (John 11: 17-45). This miracle is remembered by the Church on the sixth Saturday of Great Lent (Lazarev Saturday).

After his resurrection, Saint Lazarus withdrew to the island of Cyprus, since the chief priests decided to kill him (John 12: 9-11), where he was subsequently made bishop.

According to legend, Lazarus, being a bishop, was honored with a visit to the Mother of God and received from Her an omophorion made by Her hands. After the miraculous resurrection, Saint Lazarus lived for another 30 years, maintaining strict abstinence, and died on the island of Cyprus.

Pilgrims visiting the Holy Land are shown two tombs of the righteous: one in Bethany in Jerusalem, and the other in the city of Kitim on the island of Cyprus. Before reaching the Holy City about two and a half versts, the pilgrims visit Bethany, located on the eastern side of one of the foothills of the Mount of Olives. And a little to the north-east and below the tomb of Lazarus is indicated, which is also revered by the Mohammedans. A small entrance cut into the rock leads to a narrow, deep cave. Going down 25 steps, the pilgrims meet a small platform with a stone table in the corner, which serves as a throne during the days of services on Lazarev Saturday. The site is considered the place of the Lord's appeal: "Lazare, come out!" Five more steps down - and the burial cave. Here they usually read the Gospel of John about the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11: 1-7, 11-45) and the troparia of Palm week. First, the Lord was met by Martha, then by Mary, when He went to the tomb to awaken the friend Lazarus, - there is a large rounded "stone of conversation" from which many receive healing.

And on the island of Cyprus there is a second tomb of the righteous Lazarus. 90 km from the city of Limassol, along the road between the hills, the pilgrims arrive in the city of Larnaca, where there is a temple dedicated to Lazarus, where he served. The temple stands on the site of the original church of the 9th-10th centuries, built over the tomb of Lazarus. The present building of the temple of the 17th century. made of stone, its size is 35x17 m, there are two doors (from the north and west), a three-tiered bell tower, a vast courtyard, a museum. The temple has four pillars, if two pillars are counted in the altar, then six pillars, everything is covered with marble. There are three side chapels. In the center is a large chandelier: 5 tiers of candles below and three tiers above, and two chandeliers on the sides. To the left of the altar is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, and to the right of the altar is the cave - the tomb of the righteous Lazarus. There are choir stalls at the back of the temple. The entrance to the cave goes along seven steps under the altar of the temple. The size of the cave is 6x12 m. The relics of the righteous Lazarus are in the middle: the head and half of his bones. And the second half of the relics was in Constantinople, the crusaders in 1291 took them to France, to Marseille. On the right is the iconostasis, in which the icons are arranged in three rows, and there are decorations in two rows between the icons. Across the cave there is a tomb with the inscription: "Lazarus is a friend of God." Cancer - like a table, like a large bathtub, stone - 1.3x0.8x0.7 m. The temple - with a bell tower, a gallery of 2.5-3 m height runs along the length of the temple, like a corridor along the surface of the courtyard, there are side doors: northern and southern, from the west - large entrance. And there are two side pulpits for preachers. This place is also revered by all Orthodox Christians as a great shrine, as evidence of the undoubted mercy, love and omnipotence of God. The resurrection of Lazarus showed power and power over death.

PRAYERS

Troparion of Righteous Lazarus the Four Day
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Troparion on the resurrection of the righteous Lazarus

Kontakion of Righteous Lazarus the Four-Day
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Prayer to the holy righteous Lazarus

Prayer to Lazarev Resurrection