Lazarus Saturday is a special holiday that always falls a week before Palm Sunday. In 2026, Orthodox Ukrainians will celebrate it en masse, as they always did in ancient times. The exact date of Lazarus Saturday 2026 in the new and old style, what traditions have been preserved, what can and cannot be done, as well as prayers and signs, everything
Lazarus Saturday is a special holiday that always falls a week before Palm Sunday.
In 2026, Orthodox Ukrainians will celebrate it en masse, as they always did in ancient times. The exact date of celebrating Lazarus Saturday in 2026 according to the new and old style, which traditions have been preserved, what can and cannot be done, as well as prayers and signs, we at the Ukrainian Information editorial office have collected all this in this article and are ready to share it with you.
Important to note: The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church use the new calendar. In churches that still use the Old Slavic calendar, the old style is in effect.
Why has Lazarus Saturday been so important for Ukrainians since ancient times?
After the OCU transitioned to the new calendar, many believers are still confused: when exactly is Lazarus Saturday, why do the dates differ, and is there anything special to do on this day?
In 2026, Lazarus Saturday falls on April 4 according to the new and old calendars, as it is counted from the Nativity of Christ. That is, it is the last Saturday of Great Lent before Palm Sunday. The holiday commemorates the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus – one of the most important events before the Passion of Christ.
Read also: Easter basket 2026: what to put in it and what is strictly forbidden to bless
In order not to miss such a great holiday, on which miracles can happen (read more about what miracles are involved in our material), that is why thousands of Ukrainians every year search for Lazarus Saturday according to the new calendar and Lazarus Saturday traditions .
What is Lazarus Saturday and why is it celebrated on Saturday and not Sunday?
Lazarus Saturday is the day when the Church remembers the miracle that Jesus Christ performed in Bethany : He resurrected his friend Lazarus, who had been in the tomb for four days.
A harbinger of a miracle
In the small village of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, lived a family that Jesus especially loved: his brother Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary . When Lazarus became seriously ill, the sisters immediately sent for Jesus, hoping for His healing power.
However, Jesus, having heard the news, did not hurry. He stayed for two days, saying to the disciples: “This illness is not to death, but for the glory of God .” When He finally set out for Bethany, Lazarus had already been resting in the cave-tomb for four days.
Meeting in Bethany
As Jesus approached the village, he was met by a weeping Martha. Her words were filled with both pain and faith: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died . ”
It was in this conversation that the words that became the foundation of Christian hope were spoken:
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even though he dies, will live.”
Seeing the grief of his sisters and family friends, Jesus himself wept. This is one of the most powerful moments in the Bible, demonstrating His true humanity—the ability to truly empathize and feel the pain of loss.
“Lazarus, come out!”
When Jesus came to the cave, he ordered the stone to be rolled away. Martha hesitated, for it had been four days and the body had begun to rot. But Jesus was insistent. When the stone was rolled away, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
And the incredible thing happened: a man wrapped in burial cloths came out of the tomb alive. This event stunned everyone present. The rumor about the resurrection of the “four-day-dead” instantly spread throughout Judea.
This miracle became a kind of “precursor” of the Resurrection of Christ and showed people that Christ has power over death. It was after this miracle that many Jews believed in Jesus, and the high priests began to plan His murder.
Lazarus Saturday is the last day when joy still reigns before Holy Week.
When is Lazarus Saturday 2026: exact dates
According to the new calendar (OCU and UGCC): April 4, 2026 (Saturday)
According to the old calendar (MP): April 4, 2026 (Saturday)
The difference between calendars is not significant, as it is counted from the date of the Resurrection of Christ.
Traditions and customs of Lazarus Saturday in Ukraine
In Ukraine, Lazarus Saturday was always celebrated very warmly and in a homely manner:
- Lazarus Day is a major tradition. Children (and adults) would go from house to house, sing special “lazarus” songs, and collect sweets, eggs, and money.
- Palm Sunday begins right after Lazarus Saturday, so people were already preparing the willow tree by the river.
- In many regions, special “Lazarus” cakes and buns were baked, and in churches, prosphora were also baked.
What you can and cannot do on this day
This holiday is not red on the calendar, but it has its own prohibitions and restrictions, so on Lazarus Saturday you can:
- Cleaning the house, which is something you can’t do on major holidays. Including preparing the willow tree for tomorrow (Palm Sunday).
- Prepare meals (but not fast, let’s not forget that Lent is still going on)
- Sing Lazarus (glorify God)
- Treat the children
- Pray
Since this is not just an ordinary day of fasting, but a day of remembrance, you cannot:
- To work at hard physical labor, to do land work
- Quarrel with family and friends
- Arrange loud celebrations and fun
- Eat meat and dairy (Lent continues)
Prayers, omens and folk beliefs
The most important prayer for Lazarus Saturday:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
who raised Lazarus from the stinking tomb after four days,
and thereby showed His Divine power, and
to us, sinful and unworthy slaves
Grant, O Most Merciful One, victory over death and resurrection,
and eternal life. Amen.”
Shorter version (often used in home prayer):
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, who raised Lazarus from the dead after four days, grant us, O Most Merciful, victory over death and eternal life. Amen.
Folk omens for the weather on this day:
- If it is warm and sunny on Lazarus Saturday, it will be early spring.
- If a child sings the Lazarus song well, the year will be successful for the family.
- You can’t refuse children gifts – it’s a good sign.
How to celebrate Lazarus Saturday with your family
Ideas for children:
- Teach children to sing lullabies
- Make willow twigs together
- Bake Lazarevskiy Korzhyk (songs)
The difference between the old and new calendars – why the dates are different
Explanation in plain language: The old (Julian) calendar lags behind the real solar year by 13 days. Therefore, all the dates that we are used to seeing in the old calendars are “late”. But not this time, because the Resurrection of Christ coincides for both calendars.
The OCU simply switched to a new style so that the dates coincided with real astronomical events.
Conclusion – How to Celebrate Lazarus Saturday 2026 Correctly
Lazarus Saturday 2026 is a day of hope and joy before Holy Week. This is a great time to prepare for Palm Sunday and Easter. So, find out in advance the time to go to the Temple, because there will be peace, and this helps to heal the soul. Prepare Lazarus cakes or shortbread for the children. Clean up the house. Read the prayer for Lazarus. Do something good for your neighbors, not just on holidays, but every day.
Lazarus Saturday according to the new calendar is April 4, 2026. Save the article so you don’t miss it.
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