PRAVMIR. June 13, 2012. Russia has obtained a portion of the relics of St. Lazarus the Four-Days-Dead. A reliquary containing relics of St. Lazarus was presented to the Primate of the Russian Church in the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, Cyprus. The solemn transfer of this reliquary completed Patriarch Kirill’s “peace visit” to the Republic of Cyprus, which lasted from June 8 to 11, 2012.
Receiving the reliquary from the hands of the rector of the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, the Primate of the Russian Church offered these words: “It is with special gratitude that I receive this precious gift. There could be no greater gift than this. We will take these relics to the patronal city of Moscow and house them in a place where a multitude of people can approach them. Everyone who venerates these sacred relics will know of your gift. Through this veneration, love for Cyprus and the Church of Cyprus will be strengthened in the hearts of our people.”
Transfer of the reliquary. Photo: Milena Faustova
Relics of St. Lazarus in Larnaca
Reliquary upon arrival in Moscow. Photo: Milena Faustova
Preparations for meeting the relics
A flower-laden path was prepared specially for meeting the precious gift.
The relics were met by a procession at the Conception Convent in Moscow
In anticipation of meeting Lazarus, the friend of Christ.
Archbishop Arseny of Istrinisky with the reliquary
Moleben before the relics of St. Lazarus
