Saints

St. Lazarus

Who was St. Lazarus

Saint Lazarus ArtworkSt. Lazarus was a biblical figure who is revered as a saint by Christians, particularly those of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The story of Lazarus is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, versus 1 to 45. This passage recounts the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus. According to the New Testament, Lazarus was a man from Bethany who was resurrected from the dead by Jesus Christ four days after his death. The story of Lazarus is told in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus raises him from the dead in order to demonstrate the power of faith and to prove his own divinity.

Very little is known about the life of Lazarus beyond the events described in the Bible. He is thought to have been a friend of Jesus, and was likely a member of the Jewish community in Bethany, a village located near Jerusalem. Some legends suggest that Lazarus was a leper, but this is not mentioned in the Bible.

After his resurrection, Lazarus is believed to have traveled as a missionary, spreading the message of Jesus and his teachings throughout the region. 

In addition to his role in the biblical story of Jesus, Lazarus is also revered as a symbol of hope and faith. His resurrection is seen as a powerful reminder of the power of God and the promise of eternal life. He is remembered as a patron saint of the sick and those suffering from illness, and his feast day is celebrated on June 21st.

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Detailed Biography of Saint Lazarus

St. Lazarus is one of the most fascinating figures in the New Testament, as he was the only person whom Jesus raised from the dead after four days in the tomb. His story is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, and it reveals the power and the love of Christ, as well as the faith and devotion of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. But what happened to Lazarus after his resurrection? How did he live his life as a witness of Christ’s glory? In this blog post, we will explore some of the traditions and legends that have been preserved about St. Lazarus, the friend of Christ.
 

The Resurrection of Lazarus

The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the seven signs that Jesus performed in the Gospel of John, and it is considered the most dramatic and climactic one, as it foreshadows Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead. The story begins with Jesus receiving a message from Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem, that their brother Lazarus was ill. Jesus loved this family very much, and he often stayed with them when he visited Jerusalem. However, instead of going to Bethany immediately, Jesus delayed his departure for two more days, saying that this illness would not end in death, but in God’s glory.
 
When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, he found out that Lazarus had already been dead for four days, and that he had been buried in a cave with a stone covering the entrance. Many Jews had come to comfort Mary and Martha, who were mourning their brother’s death. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha expressed her faith in Jesus, saying that if he had been there, her brother would not have died, but that she still believed that God would grant him whatever he asked. Jesus assured her that her brother would rise again, and that he himself was the resurrection and the life. He then asked her if she believed this, and she confessed that she did, and that he was the Christ, the Son of God.
 
Jesus then asked to see Mary, who came out quickly and fell at his feet, saying the same words as Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved and troubled in his spirit. He asked where they had laid Lazarus, and they said to him: “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. The Jews who saw him were amazed by his love for Lazarus, but some of them wondered why he could not have prevented his death.
 
Jesus then came to the tomb of Lazarus, which was a cave with a stone lying against it. He commanded them to take away the stone, but Martha objected, saying that there would be a bad odor, since he had been dead for four days. Jesus reminded her that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. Then they removed the stone, and Jesus lifted up his eyes and prayed to his Father, thanking him for hearing him and for showing his power to the people. Then he cried out with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, bound hand and foot with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: “Unbind him, and let him go.”
 
Many of the Jews who saw this miracle believed in Jesus, but some of them went to report it to the Pharisees, who plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. They feared that because of this sign, many people would follow Jesus and cause trouble with the Romans. Therefore they decided to put an end to his ministry.
 

The Life of St. Lazarus After His Resurrection

There is not much information in the New Testament about what happened to St. Lazarus after his resurrection by Christ. We only know that he was present at a dinner that was given in honor of Jesus six days before his passion (John 12:1-11), where Mary anointed his feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair. The Gospel of John also mentions that many people came to see Lazarus as well as Jesus (John 12:9), which made the chief priests more determined to kill him.
 
However, there are various traditions and legends that have been preserved by different Christian communities about St. Lazarus’ life after his resurrection. According to one tradition (found in St. Epiphanius of Cyprus), St. Lazarus was thirty years old when he was raised from the dead, and he lived for another thirty years after that. He was one of the seventy disciples of Christ, and he preached the gospel in various places. He also witnessed the ascension of Christ and received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
 
Another tradition (found in the Synaxarion of Constantinople) says that St. Lazarus fled from the persecution of the Jews and took refuge in Cyprus, where he met St. Paul and St. Barnabas, who ordained him as the first bishop of Kition (modern Larnaca). He shepherded his flock with great care and love for eighteen years, until he died a second time at the age of sixty. He was buried in a marble sarcophagus with the inscription: “Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ.” His tomb was later discovered in 890 AD by Emperor Leo VI, who transferred his relics to Constantinople and built a church in his honor.
 
There are also other traditions that connect St. Lazarus with other places, such as France, where he is said to have evangelized Provence and Marseille with his sisters Mary and Martha; or Armenia, where he is said to have been martyred by pagans; or Egypt, where he is said to have founded a monastery. However, these traditions are not very reliable and are probably based on confusion with other saints who bore the same name.
 
One thing that is common in most of the traditions about St. Lazarus is that he was very serious and solemn after his resurrection, and that he never smiled or laughed again. Some say that this was because of what he saw in Hades during his four days of death, which filled him with awe and fear. Others say that this was because of his gratitude and reverence for Christ, who gave him back his life. Only once did he smile, according to a legend, when he saw a man stealing a clay pot, and he said: “One earth steals another.”
 

The Veneration of St. Lazarus

 
St. Lazarus is venerated as a saint by many Christian churches, especially by the Eastern Orthodox Church, which celebrates his feast on Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday. This day commemorates both his resurrection by Christ and his participation in Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On this day, it is customary to make palm crosses and sing hymns in honor of St. Lazarus.
 
St. Lazarus is also honored on other dates by different churches, such as March 17 by the Greek Orthodox Church; October 17 by the Russian Orthodox Church; July 29 by the Roman Catholic Church; and December 17 by the Armenian Apostolic Church.
 
St. Lazarus is considered the patron saint of lepers, as well as of Cyprus and Larnaca. He is also invoked against diseases and epidemics. He is usually depicted in icons as a man wrapped in grave clothes, holding a cross or a palm branch, or sometimes as a bishop with a mitre and a staff.
 
St. Lazarus is an example of faith, friendship, and witness for all Christians. He shows us how Christ can transform our lives from death to life, from sorrow to joy, from fear to love. He also shows us how we can follow Christ even in the midst of trials and persecutions, and how we can share his gospel with others. Let us pray to St. Lazarus to intercede for us before Christ, who is the resurrection and the life.
 

Prayers to St. Lazarus

Prayer of Intercession to St. Lazarus

O St. Lazarus, holy patron of those in need, I come to you today seeking your intercession. Please pray for me and for all those who are suffering, that we may find comfort and healing in times of trial. O St. Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by the power of God, I ask for your help in overcoming the challenges I face. May your example of faith and determination inspire me to persevere and trust in the Lord.

Prayer to St. Lazarus

O St. Lazarus, who devoted your life to helping others, please intercede for me and for all those who are in need of assistance. May we find the strength and courage to reach out to others and offer them love and support.

Prayer to St. Lazarus

O St. Lazarus, who through your resurrection experienced the hope of new life, I ask for your guidance and protection as I journey through this life. May I always turn to you in times of difficulty, and may your example of faith and service guide me on the path to eternal life. Amen.

Miracles of St. Lazarus

St. Lazarus was a man who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. This is considered a miracle and one of the most well-known stories about St. Lazarus. St. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus who fell seriously ill and eventually died. When Jesus heard about this, he traveled to the town where St. Lazarus lived, but by the time he arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 

The story of St. Lazarus being raised from the dead is told in the Bible, in the book of John, chapter 11. The relevant verses are:

John 11:43-44: “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”

These verses describe the moment when Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and how he emerged, still bound in the graveclothes in which he had been buried. This event is considered one of the greatest miracles in the Bible, and it is a testament to the power of faith and the love of God.

Despite the fact that Lazarus had been dead for so long, Jesus prayed and then commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Miraculously, Lazarus came back to life and emerged from the tomb, much to the amazement of those who were present.

This event is considered one of the greatest miracles in the Bible, and it is a testament to the power of faith and the love of God. The story of St. Lazarus being raised from the dead is a powerful reminder that with God, nothing is impossible and that even in the face of death, there is always hope.

After his resurrection, St. Lazarus went on to live a long and productive life, devoted to helping others and spreading the message of love and kindness. There are many stories and legends about the good deeds and miracles that St. Lazarus performed during his lifetime, such as healing the sick and bringing hope to those in need.

St. Lazarus is also revered as a patron saint of the sick and the poor, and is often invoked in prayers for healing and assistance. Many people believe that St. Lazarus continues to work miracles and answer prayers even today.

Long Children’s Story about St. Lazarus

Once upon a time, in a small village called Bethany, there lived a man named Lazarus. He had two sisters named Mary and Martha. They were all very good friends with Jesus, who was a great teacher and healer.

One day, Lazarus became very sick. His sisters were worried and sent a message to Jesus, asking Him to come and help. They knew that Jesus had the power to heal the sick.

But when Jesus received the message, He didn’t go right away. Instead, He stayed where He was for two more days. He explained to His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would not lead to death, but it was an opportunity for something amazing to happen. Jesus wanted to show God’s power through Lazarus.

Finally, Jesus told His disciples that it was time to go to Bethany. When they arrived, they found out that Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Many people from the village had come to comfort Mary and Martha.

Martha went out to meet Jesus and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha believed in the resurrection and thought Jesus was talking about the final day when everyone would rise from the dead.

Then, Jesus asked to see where Lazarus was buried. They took Him to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone covering the entrance. Jesus told the people to roll away the stone. Martha was worried because Lazarus had been dead for so long and there would be a bad smell.

But Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Then, Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed to His Father. He thanked God for always hearing Him and said these words: “Lazarus, come out!”

Suddenly, everyone watched in astonishment as Lazarus, who was wrapped in burial clothes, walked out of the tomb. He was alive! Jesus had brought him back to life.

The people were filled with joy and amazement. They realized that Jesus was not just a teacher or a healer but that He had power over death itself. Many people who witnessed this miracle believed in Jesus.

Lazarus’ resurrection was a powerful sign of Jesus’ love and His power over death. It showed that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. It reminds us that even when things seem impossible or hopeless, Jesus has the power to bring new life and hope.

Short Children’s Story about the life of St. Lazarus

St. Lazarus was a man who lived a very long time ago. He was a good man and helped many people. One day, he became very sick and died. His friends were very sad and they buried him in a tomb.

After three days, something amazing happened. St. Lazarus woke up from the dead! His friends were shocked and couldn’t believe what they were seeing. St. Lazarus told them that he had been sent back to life by God to help more people.

From that day on, St. Lazarus devoted his life to helping others. He traveled far and wide, spreading the message of love and kindness to all he met. He became known as a saint and was loved and respected by many people.

St. Lazarus lived a long and happy life, doing good deeds and helping those in need. And when he died again, he was remembered as a great man who touched the lives of many.

Why is St. Lazarus the patron saint of the sick?

St. Lazarus is the patron saint of the sick because he is remembered for his miraculous resurrection from the dead by Jesus Christ, as told in the Bible. This event is seen as a powerful reminder of the healing power of faith and the promise of eternal life.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Lazarus is venerated as a patron saint of the sick and those suffering from illness. His feast day, celebrated on December 17, is a time for Christians to pray for healing and to ask for the intercession of St. Lazarus on behalf of those who are sick or in need of support.

In addition to being a patron saint of the sick, St. Lazarus is also venerated as a symbol of hope and resilience. His story is seen as an inspiration to those facing difficult challenges or adversity, and as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of new life and renewal.

Reflection on the Feast of St. Lazarus

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Lazarus on June 21st. St. Lazarus. The Feast of St. Lazarus, also known as Lazarus Saturday, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the miracle of St. Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. This event is described in the Bible in the book of John, and it is considered one of the most significant miracles in the New Testament.

On this feast day, Christians may reflect on the power of faith and the transformative nature of God’s love. They may also consider the example of St. Lazarus, who devoted his life to helping others and spreading the message of love and compassion.

Ways to reflect on the Feast of St. Lazarus:

  • Reflecting on the story of St. Lazarus and what it teaches us about faith, hope, and the power of God.
  • Thinking about how we can follow the example of St. Lazarus by serving others and showing compassion.
  • Praying for the intercession of St. Lazarus, especially for those who are suffering or in need of healing.
  • Taking time to care for our own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as a way of honoring the miracle of life that God has given us.

6 Lessons Every Christian Can Learn from the Life of Saint Lazarus

  1. The Power of Jesus: The story highlights the miraculous power of Jesus. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated His authority over death itself. It reveals that Jesus is not just a teacher or a prophet but the Son of God with the power to bring life and hope.

  2. The Compassion of Jesus: Jesus’ deep love and compassion for His friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, are evident in the story. He wept when He saw the sorrow of those around Him. This teaches us that Jesus cares about our pain and suffering. He is a compassionate and loving Savior who empathizes with our struggles.

  3. The Reality of Death: Lazarus’ death reminds us of the reality of death in our world. It shows that death is a part of our human experience, and even Jesus Himself experienced the loss of loved ones. However, the story also offers hope by showing that Jesus has power over death and can bring life even in the midst of despair.

  4. The Resurrection and Eternal Life: The resurrection of Lazarus foreshadows Jesus’ own resurrection and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. It teaches us that physical death is not the end, but there is hope beyond the grave. Jesus’ words to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life,” emphasize His role as the source of eternal life.

  5. The Importance of Faith: Throughout the story, faith is a central theme. Martha expresses her belief in Jesus, stating that she knows He has the power to do anything. Jesus encourages her to believe, and her faith is rewarded when Lazarus is raised from the dead. The story reminds us of the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when circumstances seem dire.

  6. The Call to New Life: Lazarus’ resurrection serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual rebirth. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls us to leave behind our old life and embrace new life in Him. It teaches us that Jesus has the power to bring spiritual transformation and breathe new life into our hearts.

5 Things Every Christian Should Know about Lazarus: A Remarkable Biblical Figure

1: Lazarus was a Friend of Jesus and His Disciples: Lazarus was not just an ordinary individual. He was a close friend of Jesus and his disciples. The Gospel of John portrays Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, as a beloved family with whom Jesus shared a deep bond. Their friendship offers a glimpse into the human side of Jesus and highlights the importance of companionship and community.

2: Jesus Resurrected Lazarus from Death: Lazarus is famously known for being raised from the dead by Jesus. After Lazarus had been entombed for four days, Jesus arrived in Bethany and commanded Lazarus to come out of the grave. In an astonishing display of divine power, Lazarus emerged alive, still wrapped in burial garments. This extraordinary event not only demonstrated Jesus’ authority over death but also foreshadowed His own resurrection.

3: Lazarus’ Resurrection is Symbolic: Lazarus’ resurrection carries profound symbolism within Christian theology. It serves as a precursor to Jesus’ ultimate victory over death through His crucifixion and resurrection. Lazarus’ revival signifies the triumph of life over death, the power of faith, and the promise of eternal life for believers in Christ. It remains a powerful testament to the redemptive message of Christianity.

4: There are Two Lazaruses in the Bible: Interestingly, there are two individuals named Lazarus mentioned in the New Testament, which can lead to confusion. The Lazarus in the story of Jesus’ resurrection is Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha. However, in a parable shared by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, a different Lazarus is mentioned—a beggar who experienced a different fate. It is important to differentiate between these two distinct biblical accounts.

5: Lazarus had a Meaningful Impact on the World Post-Resurrection: Following his miraculous resurrection, Lazarus became a significant figure in early Christian history. His revival spread throughout the region, creating a buzz among the people. The event played a role in the growing opposition against Jesus, as the religious leaders saw it as a threat to their authority. The story of Lazarus’ resurrection further cemented Jesus’ reputation as a powerful and transformative figure.

Saints Similar to St. Lazarus

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Lawrence. St. Lazarus and St. Lawrence share a connection through their roles in Christian history and the early church. St. Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, and St. Lawrence was a deacon and martyr. Next up: Biography of St. Leo the Great

 

Also check out our handmade St. Lazarus Medal and St. Lazarus Rosary and St. Lazarus Rosary Bracelet.

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