Lazarus Saturday in the Republic of Cyprus

Lazarus Saturday in the Republic of Cyprus is celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, but instead of pussy willow, believers bring olive or palm branches to the church. It is customary to decorate houses with such branches. 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. Especially notable events traditionally take place in Larnaca at the Church of Saint Lazarus.

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

The Significance of Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus Saturday is an Orthodox holiday dedicated to the Gospel story of the resurrection of 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 island's history, this day is perceived as particularly "local" in the Republic of Cyprus. In most settlements, the format of the holiday is religious: services in churches, candles, flowers, and the reading of Gospel texts.

What You Can See

• morning service (timing 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 Celebration

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 ("Agios Lazaros") is located here, along with sites associated with the veneration of the saint. It still houses the stone sarcophagus in which Lazarus was once buried.

Practical Tips for Visitors

How to Participate

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).

Glossary

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

April 4, 2026 (Saturday), one 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 of shops and services usually remain normal (taking into account that it is a Saturday).

Which other religious holidays are public holidays?

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