40th Friday of The Great Lent
The Syriac Orthodox Church places great importance on the Fortieth day of Great Lent, 40th Friday. This day is significant in the church's history and traditions. It marks the memory of Jesus Christ's fasting and praying for forty days, Satan's temptation of him, and Jesus' eventual triumph over temptation and gaining dominion over Satan.
According to the biblical account, Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, fasting and praying before beginning his public ministry. During this time, Satan appeared to him and tempted him with various offers, attempting to sway Jesus away from his divine purpose. However, Jesus resisted all temptation and emerged victorious, earning dominion over Satan.
This day reminds the faithful of the importance of fasting, prayer, and vigilance in the face of temptation and deception. Satan and his followers continue to twist and misinterpret the Word of God, but through fasting and prayer, believers can identify and eliminate such deception.
The significance of the number forty is also noteworthy. Forty frequently appears throughout the Bible, representing a testing, purification, and transformation period. For instance, during the time of Noah, it rained for forty days and forty nights, testing the faith and obedience of those aboard the ark. The people of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, relying on God for their sustenance and guidance. Moses spent forty days and forty nights with God on Mount Sinai, receiving the Ten Commandments. David ruled the Israelites for forty years, bringing stability and prosperity to his people. God gave the inhabitants of Nineveh forty days to repent, offering them a chance to turn away from their wickedness and be saved. Jesus spent forty days on earth after his Resurrection, solidifying his teachings and preparing his disciples for their mission.
Therefore, the Syriac Orthodox Church considers the Fortieth day of Great Lent as a significant milestone in the Lenten journey. It marks the end of the first phase of Lent in which we solemnly remember Jesus Christ's triumph over temptation and Satan. This day offers a reminder of the importance of fasting, prayer, and vigilance in the face of temptation and deception. Through these practices, believers can identify and eliminate deception. This day is the beginning of the Holy week of intense fasting and prayer, focusing on the events of Jesus' Ascension, Passover, Suffering, and Crucifixion. Through this observance, believers prepare themselves for the ultimate celebration of the Resurrection, which offers hope and salvation – the renewal and restoration of all things and life eternal.
Raising of Lazarus Saturday.
The Saturday of the raising of Lazarus is a significant day in the Syriac Orthodox Church, as it commemorates the miraculous Resurrection of Lazarus from the dead as written in St. John 11:28-46. This event is a prefigure of the Resurrection for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The story of the raising of Lazarus is one of the most well-known miracles performed by Jesus Christ, and it has significant implications for the Christian faith. According to the Gospel of John, Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus Christ, along with his sisters Martha and Mary. When Lazarus became seriously ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, asking him to come and heal their brother. However, Jesus did not arrive until four days after Lazarus died and was buried in a tomb. Despite the doubts of those who had gathered to mourn Lazarus, Jesus commanded him to rise from the dead, and he emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial clothes.
The raising of Lazarus is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrates Jesus' power over death and his ability to perform miracles that defy human understanding. Additionally, it shows Jesus' deep love and compassion for his friends and followers as he wept alongside them at Lazarus' tomb. This miracle also serves as a precursor to Jesus' Resurrection, which would occur just a few days later.
In the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Saturday of the raising of Lazarus is a day of celebration and joy. The faithful gather in churches to offer Holy Eucharist prayers and thanks for the miracle Jesus Christ performed. Many also visit the site of Lazarus' Resurrection, which is believed to be in the town of Bethany in the Holy Land. This tradition dates back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, as evidenced by the pilgrimage record of Egeria.
One unique tradition associated with the Saturday of the raising of Lazarus in the Syriac Orthodox Church is the preparation of "Kozhukatta." Kozhukatta is a sweet dish from rice flour filled with jaggery and coconut. It is prepared to commemorate the favourite delicacy of Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of John chapter 12.
According to this passage, Jesus returned to Bethany six days before the Passover and dined at the home of Lazarus and his sisters, who had prepared his favourite dish. The Syriac Christians of Kerala in Malankara have carried on this tradition by preparing Kozhukatta in honour of this event and sharing it among family members and friends on this day annually.
In conclusion, the Saturday of the raising of Lazarus is a significant day in the Syriac Orthodox Church. It serves as a reminder of Jesus' power over death, his love and compassion for his followers, and his ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. The tradition of preparing Kozhukatta is a beautiful way for the faithful to honour this event and share in the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
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