Lazarus Saturday in Toronto
Lazarus Saturday (Vrbica) at the Saint Sava Church in Toronto was celebrated on April 4, 2026 with the celebration of the Holy Liturgy in the morning and the traditional afternoon procession around the church.
The procession, attended by a large number of children, began with the distribution of willow branches that had been blessed that morning, and during it the troparion of the feast was sung.
As previously announced by the parish priest, Protopresbyter Jovica Cetkovic, the campaign to decorate the church on River Street continued. This time, we were able to see fourteen new sticharion for children, youth and altar assistants as well as a new priestly vestment. The sticharion and vestment, blessed that morning, are of beautiful embroidery and appearance.
Lazarus Saturday (and Palm Sunday) serve as a transition from the Sixth Sunday of Lent to Holy Week, during which Orthodox Christians prepare to welcome the upcoming commemoration of the salvific suffering and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
