Saint Lazarus Church

Larnaca, Cyprus

The Church of Saint Lazarus is a late-9th century church in Larnaca. According to Orthodox tradition, sometime after the Resurrection of Christ, Lazarus was forced to flee Judea because of rumoured plots on his life and came to Cyprus. There he was appointed by Paul and Barnabas as the first Bishop of Kition (present-day Larnaca). He is said to have lived for thirty more years and on his death was buried there for the second and last time. The Church of Agios Lazaros was built over the reputed (second) tomb of Lazarus.

Tradition says that the place of Lazarus' tomb was lost during the period of Arab rule beginning in 649. In 890, a tomb was found in Larnaca bearing the inscription 'Lazarus the friend of Christ'. Emperor Leo VI of Byzantiumhad Lazarus' remains transferred to Constantinople in 898. The transfer was apostrophized by Arethas, Bishop of Caesarea, and is commemorated by the Orthodox Church each year on October 17. The transferred relics were later looted by the Fourth Crusade in the early 13th century and were brought to Marseille but subsequently lost.

In recompense to Larnaca for the translation, Emperor Leo had the Church of St. Lazarus erected over Lazarus' tomb in the late 9th to early 10th centuries. It is one of three Byzantine churches which have survived in Cyprus; the other two are the Church of the Apostle Barnabas near Salamis, and the church that was built in the walkway leading from the Epiphanios to the font.

The church is an elongated building measuring 31.5 x 14.5 m with a tripartite sanctuary, semicircular apses internally and three-sided externally and a five-sided apse in the center. The interior structure of the church is divided into three aisles with bulky double pillars and arched openings going through them. These pillars bear the weight of the domes thus forming the central aisle while the north and south aisles bear a semi-cylindrical roof, intersected by cross-vaults. The stonework of the church consists mainly of square limestone block about a meter in thickness. The church has an open porch, from which steps descend into the church.

Under Frankish and Venetian rule (the 13th to 16th centuries), the church became Roman Catholic. A stone covered portico (stoa) of Gothic style was added on its south side during this time.

The three imposing domes of this Orthodox Basilica Church and the original bell tower were destroyed, probably in the first years of Ottoman rule (1571 AD), when the church was turned into a mosque. In 1589, the Ottomans sold it back to the Orthodox, probably because of its Christian cemetery. For the next two hundred years it was used for both Orthodox and Catholic services. The porch bears traces of Greek, Latin, and French inscriptions. In 1857, after the Ottoman authorities again allowed Cypriot churches to have bell towers, the church's bell-tower was rebuilt in aLatinate style.

The woodcarving of the unique baroque iconostasis of the church was done between 1773 and 1782 by Chatzisavvas Taliadorou. The iconostasis was gold-plated between 1793 and 1797. Some of the icons were painted towards the end of the 18th century by Michael Proskynetes from Marathasa. Icon painter Hatzimichael completed the iconography of the iconostasis in 1797. Some of the wood-carved furniture (including a Rococo pulpit on one pillar for Catholic use) and icons on the walls are from the 17th century.

A fire in 1970 damaged much of the interior, including extensive damage to a section of the iconostasis together with the corresponding icons. The iconostasis has been partially restored and was re-plated with gold between 1972 and 1974. During the subsequent renovations of the church, on November 2, 1972, human remains were discovered in a marble sarcophagus under the altar, and were identified as part of the saint's relics (not all having been removed to Constantinople, apparently).

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Address

Faneromenis, Larnaca, Cyprus
See all sites in Larnaca

Details

Founded: c. 890 AD
Category: Religious sites in Cyprus

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

mekha rachel (16 months ago)
St Lazarus church was such a peaceful visit. The energy in the church and all the other features including interior’s architecture provides is beautiful. Also don’t forget to go downstairs to visit the tomb of St. Lazarus! We even lit candles in honor and thanksgiving.
Tony A (16 months ago)
A beautiful authentic church old located in the middle of Larnaca touristic street . 5 min walking distance from the Cornish sea side . If u visit Larnaca u must visit Saint Lazarus church . It’s a blessing to pay a visit and pray ?. It was my first time to visit u can light a candle offering for free and buy some souvenirs too . I would love to visit it again and again when I travel to Larnaca again .
Fadi Tohmeh (17 months ago)
St. Lazarus Church is a hidden treasure of architectural beauty and spiritual tranquility. The intricate details, serene atmosphere, and rich history make it a must-visit. Whether you seek solace or admire artistry, this church offers a profound experience that will leave you in awe. Highly recommended!
Jamechia Hoyle (18 months ago)
Amazing experience. I was able to see the tomb and spend some time in silent meditation in the Church. Wasn’t too crowded for a Saturday. Suggest wearing long pants and ladies covering the shoulders. There are cover-ups available outside the church but they were being used heavily.
Ramez Salem (19 months ago)
The Saint Lazarus Church is a historic church located in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus. It is dedicated to Saint Lazarus, the biblical figure who was resurrected by Jesus Christ. The church is one of the most important religious sites in Cyprus and attracts thousands of visitors every year, We participated in Good Friday and it was so nice
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