The Gospel mentions Jesus’ close friends: sisters Martha and Mary and their brother, Lazarus. It is with the name of Lazarus that one of the most dramatic stories that occurred during the earthly stay of Christ is associated. With a large crowd of people, Jesus demonstrated at once 2 of his hypostases — earthly and divine.
Like every man who lost a friend, Christ experienced the seal. In the Gospel, the shortest verse of the Bible is devoted to this: Jesus wept. As God, he knew exactly what would happen in a few moments, but as a human being, he could not help but be compassionate.
After the moment of grief came great joy – after 4 days, Lazarus, buried in the coffin, was resurrected. He got a second chance and used it to spread the gospel. The members of the Sanhedrin (Jewish governing body) tried to stop the spread of Christ’s teachings. They persecuted his followers, threw them in prison, stoned them. Lazarus was put into a boat without oars and sent to the open sea. Death of thirst and hunger awaited him, but the Lord had other plans. The boat washed to the shores of Cyprus. Lazarus settled there. He preached a lot, he had companions. A few years later, during their missionary journey, the apostles Paul and Barnabas arrived in Cyprus. There, near the town of Kitya, where Lazarus lived, they met. The posters already knew about Lazarus’ preaching feat. Barnabas ordained him bishop of China. Lazarus became the first bishop of Cyprus.
Tradition says that the Virgin was on her way to Cyprus to visit Lazarus when a storm nailed the ship to Mount Athos. There she laid the foundation not just for a Christian but for a monastic community, and then continued her journey to Cyprus. As a gift to Lazarus, the Mother of God brought her sewn omophorion. In this robe, Lazarus is depicted on icons.
It was in Cyprus, many years later, that his relics were found. All these years, they rested in a marble ark, the inscription on which called him a friend of Christ. One can imagine the joy, admiration and delight that believers experienced when they gained the relics of the “friend of Christ.”
By order of the Emperor Leo, a small church was built on the site where the ark was discovered in 898. But the relics themselves were not left there, but transported to Constantinople. There they were placed in a temple dedicated to Lazarus the Four Days.
This event we remember on October 30, reflecting on the great miracle – the resurrection, the great service and the unusual acquisition of the relics of Christ’s friend Lazarus.
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
