St. Lazarus, Bishop and Martyr (1st Century)
Full Name: St. Lazarus of Bethany / St. Lazarus of Marseilles
Period: 1st Century
Feast Day: December 17
Place of Birth: Bethany, Palestine
Special Significance: Close friend of Jesus, raised from the dead by Jesus, First Bishop of Marseilles, martyr.
Friendship with Jesus and Miracle of Resurrection
Brother of Martha and Mary, his family was dearly loved by Jesus.
When Lazarus died of illness, Jesus wept at his tomb and called out: "Lazarus, come out!", raising him after four days in the tomb (John 11:1–44).
Persecution and Missionary Work in France
Plotting to kill Lazarus due to the miracle, Jewish leaders set Lazarus, Martha, and Mary adrift in a rudderless boat.
Guided by God, they reached Marseilles, France, where Lazarus preached and became its first bishop.
Martyrdom and Final Days
Arrested under Emperor Domitian, he refused to sacrifice to pagan idols and was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded, receiving the crown of martyrdom.
Spiritual Lesson
Living in close friendship with Jesus and holding firm to the hope of resurrection beyond death is the lesson taught by St. Lazarus.