The Orthodox Church of Mary, Martha and Lazarus
Did Jesus Sit on this Rock in Bethany?
Location – Bethany (modern Al-Eizaria)
Map Coordinates - 31.769479, 35.264131
Merged Gospels strory - 149
Bethany (meaning “house of the poor”) is the ancient name for Al-Eizaria. In the modern name you can hear the words “Lazarus). The name “Lazarus” is a Hellenized form of the Jewish name "Eleazar," which means "God has helped". This village of Bethany is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem.
Lazarus had become ill, and his sisters, Mary and Martha had a report of his illness delivered to Jesus. On arriving at Bethany Jesus consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in His spirit, and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend.
The Rest of the Story.
According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him, and that he lived another thirty years on the island of Cyprus, where he died a second time. His final grave is situated in the city of Kition on the southeast coast of the island, with the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ."
The Seat of Jesus.
The relic that each visitor wishes to see here is a natural pedestal-shaped rock where it is alleged that Jesus sat during their meetings.
According to tradition, this is where Jesus sat when He met Mary and Martha before going to the tomb of Lazarus. It is here that Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, even if He may die, he will live.”