Lazarus’ Saturday on the Mount of Olives
On Saturday 11/24 April 2021, Lazarus’ rising from the dead was celebrated by the Patriarchate on the Mount of Olives, at the place of the Lord’s Ascension into the heavens, which is located opposite the town of Bethany.
On this feast, the Church commemorates the fact that “signifying the common resurrection”, the Lord resurrected His friend Lazarus.
For this feast, Vespers was held on Friday afternoon after the sanctification of the Holy Altar at the outdoor area of the Ascension, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella, with the co-celebration of Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and the Priests of Saint James Cathedral. The Service of the Small Compline was read after Vespers and there was a procession to the Monastery of the Men of Galilee (Galili Viri) where the Episcopal entourage was welcomed by H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos and the Hegoumen Archimandrite Anthimos. There the 1st Matins Gospel was read.
Shortly after the Gospel reading the procession returned to the Shrine to complete the reading of the Small Compline and at the end of the service, all congregation was offered a reception at the Holy Monastery of the Ascension by Monk Achilios.
On the morning of the feast, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Shrine led again by His Eminence Archbishop Philoumenos of Pella with the co-celebration of Hagiotaphite Hieromonks and Arab-speaking Priests, at the presence of Nuns and local faithful, without any pilgrims due to the covid-19 restrictions.
After the Divine Liturgy, the congregation was offered a reception by the Caretaker of the Monastery opposite the Shrine, Monk Achilios.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
