Lazarus Saturday on the Mount of Olives
On Saturday of Lazarus, the 10th/23rd of April 2016, the Patriarchate observed the Raising of Lazarus by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The event was commemorated on Friday, on the Mount of Olives, on the site of the Ascension of Christ, as well as outdoors, in the shade of a special tent, after the Altar had been sanctified by Vespers, led by Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphite Hieromonks. Novices from the Patriarchal School sang in Greek under the Head Cantor of the Church of the Resurrection, Archimandrite Aristovoulos, whilst St James Choir sang under Mr Rimon Kamar in Arabic. Local Arabic-speaking faithful and pilgrims from Orthodox countries participated.
After Vespers, following a short recess for refreshments hosted by f. Achilles at the Monastery of the Ascension, the Small Compline began, and a procession to the Monastery of the Men of Galilee. The procession was received by the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, in the presence of Metropolitan Joachim of Zambia. The procession returned to the Holy Shrine, where the service of the Small Compline was concluded.
On feast-day, the divine Liturgy was performed on the same site by the same Primate, having as concelebrants Archimandrites Parthenios and Kallistos, deacon Demetrios, and presbyter Charalambos. Novice Georgios sang with the students from the Patriarchal School in Greek, whilst St James Choir sang in Arabic for a pious congregation of pilgrims and local Arabic-speaking Orthodox faithful.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
