Saint Lazarus of Bethany

A life of faith

Lazarus lived in Bethany with his sisters Martha and Mary and is remembered in the Gospel of John as a friend of Jesus. When he became ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus. Jesus arrived after Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days and called him out. Lazarus later shared a meal with Jesus in Bethany, where Martha served and Mary anointed Jesus’s feet. The Church’s received tradition continues his story in Cyprus, where the apostles ordained him bishop of Kition, now Larnaca. The account also remembers Lazarus arranging a ship for the Mother of God to visit him. His October 17 commemoration concerns the transfer of his relics from Cyprus to Constantinople.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Lazarus’s remembrance holds friendship, grief and hope together. Read John 11 slowly, allowing space for the sorrow in the account as well as its promise.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.