April 12 — Lazarev's Saturday in 2025: the spiritual meaning of the bright holiday

On the eve of Palm Sunday, Orthodox believers celebrate Lazarus Saturday. This church holiday is dedicated to one of the most iconic miracles of Jesus Christ — the resurrection of the righteous Lazarus. Izvestia tells us what the meaning of the celebration is, and what can be eaten by those who fast on this day.

When is Lazareva Saturday in 2025

Lazarev's Saturday refers to passing celebrations. It is celebrated on the sixth day of the sixth week of Great Lent, the dates of which shift depending on the time of Easter celebration. In 2025, the holiday falls on April 12th.

Lazareva Saturday — the history of the April 12 holiday

According to the Gospel of John, the righteous Lazarus lived in the city of Bethany with his sisters Martha and Mary. He and his family members were close friends of Christ. The Son of God found shelter in their hospitable home more than once.

One day, Jesus received news from the sisters about Lazarus' illness. When he learned of this, he said, "This disease is not for death, but for the glory of God." Despite his love for the righteous family, he waited two more days before setting off. The Savior understood that by the time he arrived in Bethany, Lazarus would die, but he also knew that death would not rule over him for long.

The Son of God met with Martha and Mary four days after their brother's death. Together with them, surrounded by disciples and residents of the city, he came to the mountain where Lazarus was buried, and ordered the stone covering the entrance to the tomb to be moved. Then Jesus commanded the deceased, "Lazarus, get out!" and the young man, bound with funeral swaddling clothes, appeared before the congregation.

The news of the miraculous resurrection spread quickly among the Jews. Therefore, when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, he was greeted as the Messiah, the king who had conquered death. People rejoiced and covered his path with palm leaves, which eventually became an important attribute of another holiday — the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. In Russia, due to the peculiarities of the climate, this plant was replaced by willow. This is how the popular name of the celebration appeared — Palm Sunday.

According to legend, Lazarus lived for another 30 years. Fleeing persecution, he went to Cyprus, where he was elevated to the rank of bishop and preached Christianity until the end of his life. His relics were found in the 9th century in the city of Larnaca. After that, they were transported to Constantinople, and the church of the Righteous Lazarus was erected over the grave of the saint.

The spiritual meaning of Lazarev's Sabbath

From a theological point of view, the resurrection of Lazarus is very important. This is one of the main testimonies about Jesus as the messiah, as well as a symbol of victory over death. By performing this miracle, the Son of God made a promise to the apostles and other believers that they too would rise again when the time came. Therefore, Lazarus Saturday is also called little Easter.

It is also noteworthy that Jesus brought his friend back to life a few days after his death. Due to the hot climate in the region where Bethany was located, the bodies decomposed very quickly, and even Martha, despite all her faith, tried to stop Christ. "Oh my God! It already stinks, because he's been in his grave for four days," she said. Before that, no miracle worker had ever resurrected the dead who had been corrupted. Thus, the Son of God demonstrated how great his power over life and death is, because even the destruction of the "vessel" is not an obstacle for him.

Lazarev's Saturday in 2025 — traditions

During the solemn divine services on Lazarus Saturday, priests wear white robes. Willow trees are consecrated at evening services in churches, so during the day believers tend to collect a small bouquet of twigs with fluffy buds. They are often sold in special bazaars or in tents, but some prefer to collect willow on their own in nature.

There is a belief that upon returning home from the temple, it is necessary to lightly whip the household with palm branches so that they remain healthy and happy throughout the year.

Lavish festivities on Lazarus Saturday are not welcome, as the holiday falls on Lent. However, it is not forbidden to hold quiet feasts with the family.