Lazarus Saturday in the Republic of Cyprus

Lazarus Saturday in the Republic of Cyprus is celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. In 2026, this falls on April 4, 2026. On this day, services are held in Orthodox churches, believers bring candles and flowers, and in several towns and villages, processions with icons are organized. Particularly notable events traditionally take place in Larnaca at the Church of Saint Lazarus.

• What Lazarus Saturday Means
• Lazarus Saturday Dates in the Coming Years
• How It Is Celebrated in Cyprus
• Why Larnaca Is the Main Center of the Holiday
• Practical Tips for Visitors
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Lazarus Saturday Means

Lazarus Saturday is an Orthodox holiday dedicated to the Gospel account of the resurrection of the righteous Lazarus by Jesus Christ. In the church calendar, this day is considered an important "step" before Holy Week: it comes immediately before Palm Sunday and foreshadows Easter.

Lazarus Saturday Dates in the Coming Years

The date is not fixed: it depends on the date of Orthodox Easter and always falls on the Saturday before Palm Sunday.

How It Is Celebrated in Cyprus

Since Saint Lazarus is closely connected to the history of the island, in the Republic of Cyprus, this day is perceived in a particularly "local" way. In most settlements, the format of the holiday is religious: church services, candles, flowers, and the reading of Gospel texts.

What You Might See

• Morning service (time depends on the parish);
• Parishioners with candles and bouquets;
• Processions with icons and crosses (in some communities);
• Local fairs and small festive programs (depending on the municipality and the year).

Why Larnaca Is the Main Center of the Holiday

According to church tradition and local lore, after the events of the Gospel, Lazarus lived on the island and served as the bishop of ancient Kition (the territory of modern-day Larnaca). This is why Larnaca holds special significance for the holiday: the Church of Saint Lazarus is located here, along with sites associated with the veneration of the saint.

Practical Tips for Visitors

How to Do It

1. Choose a church or city where you want to attend a service (if the atmosphere is important to you, Larnaca is the most frequent choice).
2. Check the service schedule of the specific parish: times may vary.
3. If you are going to the center of Larnaca, allow extra time for parking and traffic near the church.
4. Dress appropriately for a church visit (modest clothing, avoiding beachwear styles).

Glossary

• Lazarus Saturday — the Saturday before Palm Sunday, the day commemorating the resurrection of Lazarus.
• Palm Sunday — the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem; it follows immediately after Lazarus Saturday in the calendar.
• Holy Week — the week before Easter, dedicated to commemorating the final days of Christ's earthly life.
• Kition — the ancient name of the city where modern-day Larnaca is situated.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Lazarus Saturday in 2026 in the Republic of Cyprus?

April 4, 2026 (Saturday), the day before Palm Sunday on April 5, 2026.

Why is this day important for the Republic of Cyprus?

In local tradition, Saint Lazarus is linked to Larnaca (ancient Kition), so the holiday is celebrated with particular prominence on the island, and key events often take place at the Church of Saint Lazarus.

Is it a public holiday?

Lazarus Saturday is a religious date but is not on the list of mandatory public holidays. The operating hours for shops and services usually remain normal (adjusted for it being a Saturday).

What other religious holidays are public holidays?

In the Republic of Cyprus, several religious holidays are public holidays (for example, Epiphany, Green Monday, Good Friday, Kataklysmos, and others).