Akathist to Saint Lazarus of Bethany who was Resurrected by Christ

Feast Days: The Sunday of Lazarus, 17 March, 4 May, 17 October

Kontakion 1

As a true friend and servant of Christ, you rose from the tomb on the fourth day at the life-giving call of the Lord, and now, standing before the heavenly altar, pray that those who sing to you may be delivered from all affliction: Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Ikos 1

Living according to the Law and leading a blameless life, Holy Lazarus, you proved yourself a friend of Christ, for even here He made you worthy of rich gifts, being wonderful, through which you enlighten those who sing to you such things as these:

Rejoice, divine friend of Christ;

Rejoice, flame of the incorporeal light;

Rejoice, fulfiller of the commandments of the Law;

Rejoice, one filled with the gifts of grace;

Rejoice, one who, through your life, has shown the height of purity;

Rejoice, depth of divine knowledge of Christ’s Incarnation;

Rejoice, you who, living according to the Law, shine with holiness;

Rejoice, you who make known the Savior’s grace;

Rejoice, star of the highest love;

Rejoice, terrifying storm against base deceit;

Rejoice, image of the virtuous life;

Rejoice, garden of heavenly habits;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 2

Seeing Christ—the Word—the manner of your life, He revealed you as a close friend; and, making you a partaker of the ineffable mystery of His Incarnation, blessed Lazarus, you offered Him this hymn with reverence: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

With strong hope, you waited patiently for Christ, Who appeared in the flesh for our sake, and, seeing His holy love with your own eyes, you followed Him in faith and united yourself with Him in spirit. For this reason, praising your radiance, we cry out such things as these:

Rejoice, you who know the mysteries of God the Word;

Rejoice, you who are a stranger to all worldly things;

Rejoice, you who are the fruit of the Law’s order;

Rejoice, treasure of divine meanings;

Rejoice, tree that has borne the fruits of grace;

Rejoice, heavenly spring, who refreshes the faithful;

Rejoice, for you have entrusted yourself entirely to the Lord;

Rejoice, you who, with a divine mind, have turned away from worldly things;

Rejoice, you who have loved Christ with all your heart;

Rejoice, you who behold His radiance;

Rejoice, you who have severed your ties with perishable things;

Rejoice, you who have been enriched with the beauty of God;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 3

While the Lord was in the flesh, Holy Lazarus, with the eyes of your soul you clung to Him with devotion, becoming a knower of the mysteries beyond the mind, for which you extol His holy humility, crying out: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

You died according to the law of nature and were buried by your relatives, who mourned you, O God-loving one, but when Christ the Life came, with a life-giving voice, He raised you from the tomb in a wondrous manner, for which you hear from us such words as these:

Rejoice, flower of piety;

Rejoice, lily of rebirth;

Rejoice, sweet fragrance of divine love;

Rejoice, well-received incense of prayer;

Rejoice, vine that bears the sweet fruit of return to Christ;

Rejoice, golden vessel of divine inspiration;

Rejoice, you who, at the word of the Savior, rose again;

Rejoice, you who stand beside the throne of the Lord;

Rejoice, honorable comfort of the faithful;

Rejoice, treasure of undefiled life;

Rejoice, you who cleanse the defilements of souls;

Rejoice, you who destroy the snares of the enemies;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 4

Knowing that You, Christ, are the Source of Life, Martha and Mary cried out to You, weeping: “If You had been in Bethany, O Merciful One, our brother would not have died!” But You, raising him from the dead by Your word, received from them a song of thanksgiving: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

The grace of the Spirit has truly revealed you as a vessel of heavenly virtues and a holy hierarch, who with true faith and all piety rightly shepherds those who cry out to you with the fear of God:

Rejoice, divine hierarch;

Rejoice, shepherd of the city of Chition;

Rejoice, you who have attained the zeal of the apostles;

Rejoice, you who have received the grace of the angels;

Rejoice, you who are filled with the Holy Spirit, as a friend of Christ;

Rejoice, true household member of our Savior and God;

Rejoice, you who serve the Lord in piety;

Rejoice, you who shone like a beacon in Chition;

Rejoice, praise of the holy shepherds;

Rejoice, joy of the pious fathers;

Rejoice, you who served Christ with your life;

Rejoice, you who enlightened many with your word;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 5

Obeying the divine command, you settled in Cyprus, coming from Bethany, all-blessed Lazarus; and, filled with apostolic zeal, you proved yourself to the Church of Chition a shepherd enlightened by God, who sings to Christ, the Chief Shepherd: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

You guided your life as a servant of the Lord, with faith and holy deeds, and you clearly revealed the light of the Gospel through your conduct, bringing to the Almighty those who devoutly cry out to you with words such as these:

Rejoice, perfect knower of the Gospel;

Rejoice, servant of the Lord;

Rejoice, honorable adornment of the saints;

Rejoice, fruit of the heavenly life;

Rejoice, eternal treasure of the gifts of the Spirit;

Rejoice, tabernacle of grace and everlasting pasture;

Rejoice, you who have been filled with the incorporeal light of Divinity;

Rejoice, you who have been exalted through diligence toward the heavenly things;

Rejoice, ray of divine goodness;

Rejoice, fragrance of the most holy life;

Rejoice, you who hold back the onslaught of passions;

Rejoice, you who bring joy to those in sorrow;

Rejoice, Holy Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 6

Truly Christ, your Friend, raised you from the tomb and then revealed you, blessed Lazarus, shepherd, guide, and guardian of the city of Chition; to Him you gave all things, singing with wisdom: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Leo, the wise emperor, once reverently transferred your holy relics from Cyprus to the imperial city of Constantinople, relics that bestow holiness and healing upon those who devoutly run to you, blessed one, and say things like these:

Rejoice, source of divine gifts;

Rejoice, you who share in the unspeakable;

Rejoice, treasure of the Lord’s friendship;

Rejoice, branch of the holy life;

Rejoice, pillar built by God, of Christ’s love;

Rejoice, ever-flowing spring of the Spirit’s water;

Rejoice, you who bestow the sweetness of incorruption;

Rejoice, you who drive away from us the slumber of idleness;

Rejoice, you who have made yourself close to Christ;

Rejoice, for you put the enemy’s power to flight;

Rejoice, shining light of the Cypriots;

Rejoice, divine flame of the Christians;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 7

Guided by Christ while He lived on earth, you believed in Him with all your heart, doing what was pleasing to the Lord; and He, calling you to Himself, revealed you as His friend, blessed Lazarus; for this, you cried out with reverence: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

Receiving new life after being raised from the tomb at the call of Christ the Savior, you shone forth in Cyprus as well, proclaiming the Gospel, holy Lazarus. Therefore, honoring your life, we sing these words:

Rejoice, steward of Christ;

Rejoice, holy guide of shepherds;

Rejoice, you who glorified the name of the Savior;

Rejoice, you who honored the gift from above;

Rejoice, for you were raised from the dead on the fourth day;

Rejoice, for you have glorified Christ, who raised you;

Rejoice, image of the coming immortality;

Rejoice, illuminator of eternal bliss;

Rejoice, for you have shown the resurrection to the dead;

Rejoice, for you made the deification known to the faithful;

Rejoice, for you shook off the power of corruption;

Rejoice, for through Christ’s friendship you shone forth;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 8

Your resurrection, O blessed one, was a wondrous miracle, wrought by the boundless power of Christ; for, bound in burial cloths, you walked forth from the tomb, and all were filled with awe at the sight, crying out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Serving Christ with all your heart and in complete humility, you offered Him your virtues with piety, as a secret and well-received sacrifice, O Holy Lazarus, enlightening those who cry out to you:

Rejoice, lyre of the Comforter;

Rejoice, lily of Heaven;

Rejoice, minister of the Holy Mysteries;

Rejoice, adornment of the saints of Cyprus;

Rejoice, heavenly vessel of the divine work;

Rejoice, sweet breath of spiritual fragrances;

Rejoice, guide of the faithful people;

Rejoice, for you vanquish the power of the deceiver;

Rejoice, image of perfect friendship;

Rejoice, flame of the Creator’s love;

Rejoice, you who served the Lord Jesus with holiness;

Rejoice, for you have guided many to Him;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 9

The city of Chition is adorned by your archpastoral care, Lazarus, bearer of God, and rejoices in your memory, knowing you as an enlightened protector. Therefore, through your prayers, always watch over those who sing to Christ: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

With words inspired by God, as a wise hierarch, you guided your flock along the path of salvation, wise Lazarus, through which you revealed yourself as the image of divine works; for this reason, the city, honoring you, cries out to you with reverence:

Rejoice, praise of the Church;

Rejoice, radiance of piety;

Rejoice, divine hierarch of Christ;

Rejoice, follower of the holy apostles;

Rejoice, angelic servant of Christ;

Rejoice, you who lived on earth above the natural order;

Rejoice, friend of Christ on earth and in heaven;

Rejoice, holy shepherd of the city of Chition;

Rejoice, healer of the wounds of souls;

Rejoice, steward of the fruits of life;

Rejoice, partaker of the Kingdom of Christ;

Rejoice, our giver of light;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 10

Your holy relics have been transferred from Chition to the former imperial city, but for us, their blessing remains in your tomb; running to it with faith, we are sanctified, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

With the grace bestowed upon you, as a friend and companion of the Savior, Holy Hierarch Lazarus, do not cease to cover your children with your protection, O blessed one, through which we too, who speak these words to you, may be delivered from our needs:

Rejoice, protector of the faithful;

Rejoice, you who stand before the Lord;

Rejoice, you who have received the crown of incorruption;

Rejoice, for you reward your children with what is useful;

Rejoice, partaker of divine glory and radiance;

Rejoice, you who pray that we too may obtain divine goodness;

Rejoice, you who labored blamelessly on earth;

Rejoice, you who have worthily obtained the divine reward;

Rejoice, you who are a source of healing for all;

Rejoice, you who shatter the snares of darkness;

Rejoice, you who soothe the sufferings of many;

Rejoice, you who enlighten our hearts;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 11

In song we praise you, Hierarch Lazarus, and we honor your virtues, for you have shown yourself to us as a guide and worthy intercessor before Christ, Whom we ask to pray for those who sing to Him with faith: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Being a friend of the Savior and a household member in all things, wise Hierarch Lazarus, through your powerful intercession, deliver us from temptations and passions and make us, who cry out to you, friends of God:

Rejoice, heir of the Lord;

Rejoice, torch bringing heavenly light;

Rejoice, one equally honored with the glorious apostles;

Rejoice, fellow-heir with all the saints;

Rejoice, myrrh enlivened by the nearness of Christ;

Rejoice, partaker of the Kingdom of the Almighty God;

Rejoice, for through divine communion you have become deified;

Rejoice, for you have ascended worthily to God;

Rejoice, our peaceful harbor;

Rejoice, fire that saves souls;

Rejoice, foundation of our hope;

Rejoice, beginning of the path to salvation;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 12

The rivers of heavenly grace flow down upon us, who come to you in faith, Holy Father Lazarus; quench the flame of our passions and, as a merciful one, refresh our minds, that we may joyfully sing to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Lifting up, together with the apostles and the hosts of angels, unceasing song to the Lord, pray always, Holy Lazarus, that those who approach you with fervent faith and sing to you unceasingly may be delivered from temptations and evil:

Rejoice, scion of Bethany;

Rejoice, adornment of the Church;

Rejoice, partaker of heavenly joy;

Rejoice, one filled with the light of the Trinity;

Rejoice, praise of the Cypriots and their intercessor before Christ;

Rejoice, precious treasure and helper of all the Orthodox;

Rejoice, secret delight of those who praise you;

Rejoice, true joy of your flock;

Rejoice, through whom we are healed of our passions;

Rejoice, through whom we draw near to Christ;

Rejoice, you who behold the radiance of the Savior;

Rejoice, you who bestow divine grace upon us as well;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 13

O Hierarch and beloved friend of Christ, Saint Lazarus, glory of the righteous, graciously receive this brief prayer from our lips and always ask forgiveness for the sins of those who sing to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia!

This kontakion is sung three times.

Then again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1

Ikos 1

Rejoice, divine friend of Christ;

Rejoice, flame of the incorporeal light;

Rejoice, fulfiller of the commandments of the Law;

Rejoice, one filled with the gifts of grace;

Rejoice, one who, through your life, has shown the height of purity;

Rejoice, depth of divine knowledge of Christ’s Incarnation;

Rejoice, you who, living according to the Law, shine with holiness;

Rejoice, you who make known the Savior’s grace;

Rejoice, star of the highest love;

Rejoice, terrifying storm against base deceit;

Rejoice, image of the virtuous life;

Rejoice, garden of heavenly habits;

Rejoice, Saint Lazarus, raised by Christ!

Kontakion 1

Prayer to St. Lazarus

Holy and Righteous Lazarus, spiritual friend of Christ the Lord and good brother of Saints Mary and Martha, you who were raised from the tomb on the fourth day and were appointed by God as archbishop of Cyprus, pray for us to the Life-Giver, together with the Most Holy Mother of God, that He may grant us forgiveness of sins and deliverance from passions, renew our lives by raising us from the tomb of sloth, and grant us the strength to follow Him, taking up the cross of life with great zeal. You who did not die because of illness, but so that God might be glorified through your resurrection, protect us from the illnesses of soul and body, as well as from the temptations that come to us from the flesh, from people, and from demons. You, at whose bodily death God-Man Himself wept, wipe away the tears and bring comfort to the helpless and lonely. Deliver us all from spiritual death and ask God to set our lives aright and grant us eternal blessings. Intercede before the throne of the Most High for the forgiveness and rest of those who have fallen asleep in the true faith, so that both they and we may find deliverance from the eternal fire and together enter the heavenly Kingdom, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: https://doxologia.ro/acatistul-sfantului-dreptului-lazar