Saint Lazarus Zographos

Biography

Saint Lazarus Zographos, also known as Lazarus the Painter, Lazarus of Constantinople, or Lazzaro, was a monk living in Constantinople during the 9th century. He is primarily recognized and celebrated for his exceptional skills as a painter of religious icons. Lazarus was fervently opposed to the Iconoclast movement, which sought to destroy and prohibit the veneration of sacred images in the Eastern Christian Church. During the reign of Emperor Theophilus, who supported the Iconoclasts, Lazarus courageously defended the use of icons and worked tirelessly to preserve and restore those that had been defaced or destroyed by the Iconoclasts. Unfortunately, his unwavering stance against the Iconoclasts led to his arrest and brutal torture. Despite his sufferings, Lazarus remained steadfast in his dedication to the preservation of sacred images. Following the fall of the Iconoclasts from power, Lazarus was released from prison and given a prominent position in the new regime. His influential role eventually led him to become an ambassador to Rome, where he further championed the use of icons and advocated for the rights of the Church. Lazarus Zographos passed away peacefully in 867, dying of natural causes. His death marked the end of a life devoted to the defense of sacred images and the promotion of unity within the Christian faith. Although the exact details of Lazarus' canonization are unclear due to pre-congregation records, he is recognized and venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast days are celebrated on November 17th and, according to some calendars, February 23rd. While it is not explicitly stated, it is possible that Lazarus Zographos may be seen as a patron for painters and iconographers, given his own exceptional talent and dedication to this artistic tradition. However, this designation cannot be confirmed conclusively. Overall, Saint Lazarus Zographos stands as a symbol of unwavering faith, artistic excellence, and resistance against the persecution of sacred images during a tumultuous period in Byzantine history.