The other day, in spite of all the prohibitions due to quarantine, I went to the Church of St. Lazarus, which is located in my city of Larnaca, to take photographs and write about it.
Almost all tourists who have visited Cyprus visit it.
The Church of Saint Lazarus is one of the three Byzantine churches that have survived in Cyprus.
This thought came to me also because in 2019 I studied at the courses: "Studying Cyprus", unfortunately the second course has been canceled so far, well, okay, I have nowhere to rush.
The Church of Saint Lazarus is an Orthodox church that was built in the 9th century and is considered one of the most beautiful on the island of Cyprus.
According to the Gospel, Jesus Christ resurrected Lazarus on the fourth day after his death.
After the resurrection, Lazarus lived for another 30 years.
Lazarus became bishop of Cyprus and preached Christianity.
When Lazarus died a second time, a church was built over his tomb and named in his honor.
The relics of the Saint are kept in this church.
The canopy with the relics of Saint Lazarus
The iconostasis of the Church of St. Lazarus is unique and is considered an example of the most skillful wood carving.
It was made between 1773 and 1782. Then it was gilded and painted.
The iconostasis is decorated with 120 icons, each of which is a real masterpiece.
From here the priest rises to the balcony and reads a prayer from there.
Second floor of the church
More photos of the Church
In the church, the seats for men and women are on opposite sides.
If you look at the iconostasis with your face, then the men are sitting on the right, and the women are on the left.
In the photo, the male side.
There is no such division on the second floor.
More photos of the Church
In 1970, during a fire, the interior of the church was badly damaged.
And in November 1972, during the renovation of the church under the altar, a marble sarcophagus with human remains was discovered, which were identified as the relics of St. Lazarus.
Sarcophagus of Saint Lazarus.
There is a tomb in the underground crypt.
It contains two sarcophagi. Lazarus was buried in one of them.
Saint Lazarus, who brought Christianity to Larnaca, is considered the healer and patron of the city.
Therefore, believers bring to the underground crypt those parts of the body that are sick, made of wax, and ask Saint Lazarus to heal them.
Now there are very few wax products (I confess that it is scary to look at them), due to the quarantine.
And I put up the candles.
Every year, eight days before Easter (on Lazarev Saturday), during the festive procession, the icon of St. Lazarus is carried along the streets of Larnaca.
P.S. sorry for the quality of the photos, but it was dark in the church.