Blog Post

Vespers for Lazarus Saturday

by Emperor Leo

Feast of the 100 Martyrs of Persia; Holy Monday in West
Anno Domini 2020, April 6

O LORD, wishing to see the tomb of Lazarus – for Thou was soon to dwell by Thine own choice within a tomb – Thou hast asked: “Where have ye laid him?” And, learning that which was already known to Thee, Thou hast cried to him whom Thou hast loved: “Lazarus, come forth.” And he who was without breath obeyed the One who gave him breath, even Thee, the Savior of our souls.

O Lord, Thou hast come to the tomb of one that was four days dead, to the burial-place of Lazarus, and weeping for Thy friend Thou hast raised up the four-day corpse, O Wheat of life. So death was bound by Thy voice, and the grave-clothes were loosed by Thy hands. Then the band of Thy disciples was filled with joy, and they all raised one voice in adoration, saying: “Blessed art Thou, O Savior, have mercy on us” (Jn. 12:24).

O Lord, Thy voice destroyed the dominion of hell, and the word of Thy power raised from the tomb Him that had been four days dead; and Lazarus became the saving first-fruits of the regeneration of the world. All things are possible to Thee, O Lord and King of all. Bestow upon Thy servants cleansing and great mercy (cf. Mt. 19:28, Mk. 10:27).

O Lord, wishing to give to Thy disciples an assurance of Thy Resurrection from the dead, Thou hast come to the tomb of Lazarus and called to him by name. Then was hell despoiled, and it released the one that had been four days dead, as he called upon Thee: “O blessed Lord, glory to Thee.”

O Lord, taking Thy disciples, Thou hast come to Bethany to awaken Lazarus. Weeping for him in accordance with the law of human nature, Thou hast as God raised up the four-day corpse, and he cried out to Thee, our Savior: “O blessed Lord, glory to Thee.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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