Hey Epic Human,
An American broadcaster named Paul Harvey used to present a regular program titled “Rest of the Story.” Invariably he would tell us something we already knew, followed by the bits we never knew.
Robin and I had a taste of that this week when we visited Larnaca, a metropolis located here in Cyprus. We drove there (two hours away) so that I might connect with a long-time friend I’ve known on Facebook but never met in person.
Along the way, we decided to sightsee the highest-rated location in the area, which happened to be the Church of Saint Lazarus, a church dating from the late 9th century.
The name “Lazarus” might ring a bell. The church is named for that New Testament figure Lazarus, who was the subject of a miracle that is recounted in the biblical Gospel of John. After falling sick and dying, Jesus raises him from the dead four days after his demise. This resurrection constituted one of Jesus’ many miracles.
Probably you already know that story.
And here’s the “rest of the story”:
According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, some time following the resurrection of Jesus, Lazarus was forced to flee his home in Judea after being persecuted on the basis of rumors of plots being made on his life. And so he came to Cyprus.
Here he met up with Paul the Apostle (a well-known biblical character and famous figure who traveled in Cyprus) and Barnabas, another apostle native to Cyprus. These two Christians appointed Lazarus to be the first Bishop of Larnaca (at that time called “Kition”). Lazarus is said to have lived for an additional 30 years, and upon his death he was buried there for his second and last time.
The Church of Agios Lazaros wasn’t just named for Lazarus; it was built over the top of the reputed (second) tomb of Lazarus.
I find this story riveting for several reasons: in the first place, the story of Lazarus seems to end after his resurrection, and then we hear no more of him after that. But then we discover there’s an entire second half of life he lived out!
Examining the tale from an individuation standpoint, one might suppose his resurrection was the end of the story—but there was a whole second act remaining for Lazarus to live. It was probably the part of his individuation where he really lived into his meaning and purpose.
The “holy relics” of Lazarus were discovered in 890 A.D. inside a marble sarcophagus inside his tomb. An open stone casket currently seen in the crypt of the church has the words: “Lazarus the friend of Christ” engraved on its side. I find this to be a beautiful sentiment summarizing what he devoted the second act of his life to.
Many individuals have similarly experienced an “ego death” and were then “resurrected” afterwards in some fashion. Recently I read of a corporate executive who quit his job and dedicated himself to helping the suffering children of a third world country. Perhaps he came back from the dead (feeling dead) and started down this whole new path. Everyone thought he lost his mind, but that’s what individuation entails, after all: separating oneself from the collective and becoming one’s own unique self—following one’s own North Star.
This ancient and magnificent Byzantine church we visited was filled with relics and treasures. Lazarus’ relics were transferred to Constantinople at one point, but centuries later some relics were found in 1972 during renovation works, hidden beneath a marble sarcophagus underneath the altar. Scholars imagine these too belonged to Lazarus and the church couldn’t bear to give up all of his relics and turn them over to the ruling authorities of the time on the European mainland. The church became an important pilgrimage site following that discovery.
The iconostasis in this building is a magnificent sight to behold! One writer effusively observed how the church:
is the most precious monument of which Larnaca is proud. Who can enter it and not be moved! An air of grandeur, emanating from early Christianity, a "doric" grandeur which impresses you, characterizes it. Its famous iconostasis, an excellent example of woodcarving, looks like an immense embroidery in gold thread. Innumerable figures of Saints adorn it: beautiful figures, "mystic", filled with "the peace of God that surpasses every mind", holy figures which…seem to bring heaven down to earth. The beautiful iconostasis looks really like a celestial firmament, and its icons like "illuminating stars", a true picture of "an assembly of the firstborn which are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:13), a picture that reminds us so vividly of the world beyond.
This iconostasis really is liminal, and you feel a brush of the “awe-some” Divine upon beholding it.
If you are struggling with your life journey and would like some help charting a course for your own individuation path, I can help! My Type Insights discovery program has helped clients to make conscious, life-altering decisions that culminated in a “rebirth” when it resulted in wonderful improvements to the quality of their lives.
We can improve yours too! Click the link to enroll in my program:
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I look forward to working with you and assisting your individuation journey.
warmly,
-Dr. Vicky Jo