In Bethany, Jerusalem Patriarch leads celebration of Lazarus Saturday
A procession to the tomb of Lazarus. Photo: a screenshot from Jerusalem Patriarchate's video
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.
Read also
UOC hierarch leads funeral service for Kyiv Eparchy priest killed at front
Metropolitan Augustine conducted the funeral service for Archpriest Viacheslav Lytvynenko, a longtime military chaplain.
Orthodox youth from across Ukraine meet in Kyiv
The UOC meetup brought participants from different eparchies to the capital for live fellowship and dialogue on spiritual topics.
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy choir performs hymn by Patriarch Ilia
The choir of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy performed a sacred work by Patriarch Ilia on the day commemorating his repose.
Metropolitan Shio: Patriarch Ilia II’s love became a source of faith and hope
In Georgia, Metropolitan Shio said in his sermon on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia II’s repose that his love and ministry became a source of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal for the people.
Orthodox Christians in U.S.: “War on Faith” bill ignores persecution of UOC
The St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Society has accused Congressmen Joe Wilson and Don Bacon of “double standards” in drafting a religious freedom bill concerning Ukraine.
UOC Social Department in Kyiv delivers aid to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, displaced families received humanitarian aid, food and household packages, as well as Paschal greetings from the UOC Social Department.