Lazarus was born in 968 AD. Lazarus's life was unique, as his parents raised him in a way that knew that the boy was God's chosen one. He grew up on piety and reading the Holy Bible, in addition to humility and sweetness of company, and he approached prayers with passion and enthusiasm. He also had an extreme love for the poor, which made him squander everything he could get his hands on, little or much.
Lazarus moved between several monasteries. He lived as a hermit in a cave for seven years, during which he faced all kinds of trials with courage. After that, he moved to Jerusalem and stayed for a time in the Monastery of Saint Sava. He moved to Asia Minor, where he lived as an ascetic on a pillar. People used to come to him from all over Ephesus and distant places to receive his blessing and receive his guidance.
The poor had a share of everything he had, and he kept nothing for himself. It is said that his two disciples left him because they said, “He wastes everything, so how can we live?” But divine providence was his helper. The more he gave to the poor and needy, the more blessings he received. His food was barley bread and water, and he slept little. Dozens of disciples gathered around him, and he followed them, guided them, and developed their spiritual life. God blessed him with the gift of insight and healing from illnesses. The date of his death was known in advance, as he bade farewell to his disciples and slept in peace in the Lord. That was on November 7, 1054.
The Church commemorates him on the day of his repose, November 7.
Troparia in the fourth tune
With the streams of phrases in the prayers of the vigils you drowned the sheath. And with the sighs from the depths you made your labors bear fruit a hundredfold, so you became a shepherd distributing forgiveness to those who come to you. O our righteous father Lazarus, intercede with Christ God to save our souls.
Qandaq with the fourth tune
The Church of Christ glorifies you with songs of joy, since you are a great star, so you continue to intercede with Christ, that He may grant everyone forgiveness of sins.
