COMMEMORATION OF
THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
On the forty-first day of Great Lent, the Armenian Church commemorates one of the most powerful and hope-filled events recorded in the Gospels: the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
This remarkable account is found in the Gospel according to St. John (11:11–46). Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus Christ, lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha, who often welcomed the Lord into their home. When Lazarus fell ill and died, sorrow filled the household and all who loved him. Upon hearing of His friend’s death, Christ went to be with the grieving family.
In one of the most profound moments in Scripture, Jesus speaks to Martha, declaring, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies.” When He asks if she believes this truth, Martha responds with unwavering faith: “Yes, Lord. I do believe that you are the Messiah, who was to come into the world.”
Standing before the tomb, Christ calls out with authority, commanding Lazarus to come forth. In an extraordinary miracle, Lazarus emerges from the grave, restored to life. Through this act, Christ reveals His divine power and affirms that He is truly the source of life and resurrection.
The Gospel also contains the deeply moving verse, “Jesus wept.” Witnessing His tears, those around Him remarked, “See how much he loved him!” This brief yet powerful moment reveals Christ’s profound compassion and His deep love for humanity. Even as He prepares to perform a miracle, He fully shares in human sorrow.
The raising of Lazarus is not only a demonstration of Christ’s power over death, but also a foreshadowing of the universal resurrection. It offers hope to all who believe, affirming that those who have fallen asleep in Christ will one day rise again. At the same time, it reminds us of God’s boundless love—a love so deep that it meets us in our grief and transforms it into hope.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
~ Proverbs 14:27-35 ~
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. In a multitude of people is a king's honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. The king's favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.
~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ~
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
~ The Holy Gospel of St. John 11:55-12:11 ~
And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that He will not come to the feast?" Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.