Lazarus Saturday

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible Hope for Today Bible

The Gnostic Gospels My Good Shepherd (Easter Board Books)

Christians in the Eastern Orthodox Church have for many centuries celebrated the day before Palm Sunday as the "Saturday Of Lazarus" – the day when, traditionally, Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the dead.

Not all churches observe the day (many do not have services on a Saturday) and others include references to Lazarus and Lazarus Saturday in the Palm Sunday services.

In some churches in the West, people partially celebrate Lazarus Saturday whilst preparing for Palm Sunday.

Across the whole of the Christian world it is the only occasion when a service of resurrection is conducted other than on a Sunday.

The main theme of Lazarus Saturday is not the actual story of Jesus raising Lazarus, but rather Jesus as the Son of God, the redeemer of humanity and the Messiah that was awaited. In this respect, Lazarus is a symbol – the symbol of oppression, sin and death whom Jesus frees and releases.

In Greece in particular there are widespread cultural traditions including children calling at houses to collect money and eggs for the church, the baking of Lazarakia (a coiled bread) and of a biscuit called Koulourakia.