Saint Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mount Galesius, near Ephesus, was born in Lydia, in the city of Magnesium. A devout and educated young man, he entered the monastery of Saint Savva in Palestine, where he devoted ten years to ascetic discipline and prayer. His humility, wisdom, and zeal for the monastic life earned him deep respect among the brethren. After being ordained a priest by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Saint Lazarus returned to his homeland and settled on Mount Galesius near Ephesus. There he beheld a divine vision of a fiery pillar reaching to heaven, surrounded by angels singing, “Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered.”

In response to this vision, Saint Lazarus built a church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ and embraced the ascetic life of a pillar-dweller. Drawn by his holiness and spiritual insight, many monks gathered around him, forming a monastery under his guidance. When he was later told by divine revelation of his approaching death, the brethren’s heartfelt prayers extended his earthly life by fifteen years. Saint Lazarus reposed in the Lord in 1053 at the age of seventy-two, and his body was buried beside the pillar where he had labored in faith. After his passing, he was glorified by numerous miracles. The Church commemorates Saint Lazarus the Wonderworker on November 7 and also on July 17.

Troparion — Tone 8

You watered your pillar with prayerful vigils and flowing tears; / you brought forth fruit a hundredfold with sighs from the depths of your soul. / You were a shepherd, granting the requests of all. / Entreat Christ God, venerable Lazarus our father, that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion — Tone 4

With joy the Church of Christ glorifies you with psalms / as a most brilliant light, venerable Lazarus. / Therefore, always pray to Christ that He may grant forgiveness of transgressions to all.