Lazarus Saturday is the day before Palm Sunday and marks the resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany by Jesus Christ(John 11:1-45). It is a significant feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) because it serves as a bridge between Great Lent and Holy Week.
The event commemorated on Lazarus Saturday occurred in Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb. This miracle is significant because:
It prefigures Christ’s own Resurrection, showing His power over death.
It led directly to the plot against Jesus (John 11:47-53), as the Jewish authorities saw this miracle as a threat.
The early Church saw Lazarus as a symbol of all humanity, whom Christ will raise at the Final Resurrection.
The feast has been celebrated since the early centuries of Christianity. By the 4th century, it was already part of the Church calendar in Jerusalem. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (4th century) mentions it as a special pre-Paschal feast.
Transition from Great Lent to Holy Week
It is the last day of Lent, but not yet part of Holy Week.
It offers a break from strict fasting; many churches allow fish, wine, and oil.
A Foretaste of the Resurrection
The raising of Lazarus foreshadows Christ’s own Resurrection on Pascha (Easter).
The hymnography of the day emphasizes Christ as the “Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25).
A Sign of Christ’s Divine Power
This miracle confirmed Jesus’ divinity to His disciples before His Passion.
Many people believed in Christ after this event, which accelerated the Jewish leaders’ decision to arrest Him.
Vespers on Friday Evening
The hymns of Vespers emphasize Christ’s power over death.
Psalm 104 and other Lenten elements are still present, but there is a sense of joy rather than strict penitence.
Festal Divine Liturgy on Saturday Morning
The Gospel reading (John 11:1-45) tells the story of Lazarus’ resurrection.
The Lenten tones of worship begin to shift toward the victory of Pascha.
In many churches, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is served instead of the Liturgy of St. Basil (used on Lenten weekends).
Among the Slavs—Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians, and others—Lazarus Saturday has been celebrated with unique traditions:
Blessing of Willows (Among Some Slavic Peoples)
In Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, since palm branches were rare, pussy willows were often blessed in anticipation of Palm Sunday.
This blessing was sometimes performed on Lazarus Saturday instead of Palm Sunday, especially in older rural traditions.
Fasting with a Feast-Like Meal
While Lazarus Saturday is still within Great Lent, the strict fast is often relaxed.
In Ukraine and Russia, people traditionally eat pancakes (mlynci) with honey or fish as a joyful meal.
Children’s Processions
In some villages, children would carry willow branches and sing hymns about Lazarus and Christ’s coming entry into Jerusalem.
This tradition has connections with Palm Sunday processions.
Symbolic Rituals
Some communities had special folk songs about Lazarus, emphasizing themes of resurrection and hope.
In parts of Ukraine, elderly women would bake small bread loaves and distribute them to the poor, symbolizing new life.
Lazarus’ resurrection directly leads to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
In some traditions, Palm Sunday matins (evening before) is combined with Lazarus Saturday, making it a two-day celebration of victory over death.
Lazarus Saturday is an essential feast in Eastern Christianity, rich in theological meaning. It reminds the faithful of Christ’s power over death, foreshadowing His Resurrection and our own future resurrection. Among Slavic peoples, it has been marked by unique customs, such as the blessing of willows, festive meals, and processions. This special day prepares believers spiritually and liturgically for the journey through Holy Week toward the glory of Pascha.
