Translation of the Relics of Righteous Lazarus the Four-Days-Dead — October 17 / October 30 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 17 according to the Julian Calendar (October 30 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of Righteous Lazarus the Four-Days-Dead.

The righteous Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, was born in Bethany, near Jerusalem. During His earthly life the Lord Jesus Christ often visited the saint, loved him dearly, and called him His friend (John 11:3, 11).

When Lazarus died, the Savior came to Bethany and raised from the dead the man who had been buried four days earlier (John 11:17-44). The Church commemorates the raising of Lazarus on the sixth Saturday of Great Lent, “Lazarus Saturday.” The miracle brought many Jews to faith in Christ, and for this reason the Jewish chief priests resolved to put Lazarus to death. The righteous Lazarus is mentioned in the holy Gospel once more: when the Savior came again to Bethany six days before the Crucifixion, “they made Him a supper there, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those at table with Him” (John 12:1-2, 9-11).

After his resurrection Lazarus lived for another thirty years. By the will of God he became bishop of Cyprus. According to tradition, when the Most Holy Theotokos visited the island, she honored Lazarus with the gift of an omophorion made by her own hands. The chosen one of the Lord reposed in peace on Cyprus for the second time.

The incorrupt relics of Bishop Lazarus were taken to Kition. They were laid in a marble sarcophagus bearing the inscription: “Lazarus, the four-days-dead, friend of Christ.” By order of the Byzantine emperor Leo the Wise (886-911), in the year 898 the holy relics were transferred to Constantinople and given a place in the church dedicated to the righteous Lazarus.