Lazarus isn’t someone many think of when they think saints. But, he is. His feast day is July 29. Today in the eastern Church is often called Lazarus Sunday
The disciple and friend of Jesus raised from the dead by Jesus. He was the brother of Martha and Mary, and resided in Bethany, a suburb of Jerusalem, Israel.
We know his most famous part in the Gospels – when Jesus raise him from the tomb.
“When he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with linen bands, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Then Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go free.”” – John 11:43-44
No mention is made in the New Testament of his activities after being brought back to life, but several traditions survive. In one, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary go to France, where he became the first bishop of Marseilles, before being martyred. In other traditions, Lazarus and his sisters went to Cyprus, where he became bishop of Kition, or Lamaka. Still another legend reports that he went to Syria. His supposed relics were translated to Constantinople and numerous churches were built in his honor.
Devotion to Lazarus was commonplace in the early Church.
St. Lazarus, pray for us that we may have peace and confidence in Jesus as we face the hour of our death.