Lazarus Saturday
Lazarus Saturday — Saturday, April 4, 2026 in 2026.
The raising of Lazarus of Bethany, four days in the tomb, is commemorated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Together with Palm Sunday it forms the bridge between Great Lent and Holy Week.
When is Lazarus Saturday in 2026?
In 2026 the feast falls on Saturday, April 4, 2026. It is a moveable feast, counted from the date of Pascha, so it falls on a different date each year.
| Year | Date | Fasting that day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Great Lent |
| 2027 | Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Great Lent |
| 2028 | Saturday, April 8, 2028 | Great Lent |
| 2029 | Saturday, March 31, 2029 | Great Lent |
Fasting on Lazarus Saturday
Caviar, wine and oil are traditionally permitted; the Fast otherwise continues.
Fasting practice varies between jurisdictions, parishes and households — see the Orthodox fasting rules for the full picture and speak with your priest about your own rule.
See this feast in the calendar
Open the day itself for the saints, feast and fasting rule in full, browse April 2026, or see the whole of 2026.
Saints commemorated on Saturday, April 4, 2026
- Sts. Joseph the Hymnographer and George of Maleon
The appointed scripture readings for the day are listed on the daily calendar page.