On Lazarus Saturday, April 4, 2026, a day rich with spiritual meaning and joyful anticipation of Palm Sunday, a vibrant children’s retreat brought together faith, creativity, and community in a uniquely Serbian Orthodox tradition —Vrbica— at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio.

From the moment the children arrived, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and purpose. The retreat was thoughtfully designed to engage the hearts, minds and hands of the participants, blending religious education with interactive activities that made the story of Lazarus come alive. A special highlight of the day was a meaningful lesson on the feast day delivered by Father Dragan, St. Sava Cathedral Parish Priest, who helped the children better understand the spiritual significance of Lazarus Saturday. This lesson was further enriched by Mati Paraskeva, Abbess of New Marcha Monastery, who also shared insights about the feast day with the children, reinforcing its meaning in a warm and engaging way.

One of the highlights of the day was the music class, where children learned traditional hymns associated with Lazarus Saturday. Their voices, full of enthusiasm and innocence, echoed through the hall as they practiced songs that have been passed down through generations. The session not only taught them melodies but also helped them understand the deeper meaning behind the hymns.

Equally engaging were the art classes, which allowed the children to express their creativity while connecting with their faith. One activity focused on decoupage of icons, where participants carefully decorated sacred images using layered paper on stones. This hands-on experience gave them a deeper appreciation for the beauty and symbolism of Orthodox iconography.

Another beloved activity was crafting crosses from palm leaves. With the help of Popadija Vladanka, the children learned how to weave palm leaves into simple yet meaningful crosses, a tradition that ties directly into the upcoming celebration of Palm Sunday. Many proudly carried their creations throughout the day, showing them to friends and family.

Adding an element of fun and friendly competition, the retreat also featured a “Wrap Lazarus” contest. In this lively activity, teams raced to see who could wrap a volunteer “Lazarus” in cloth the fastest, playfully reenacting the moment from the Gospel story. Joy filled the room as children worked together, combining teamwork with a memorable lesson from scripture.

The day continued with an Easter egg hunt that brought even more excitement, as children eagerly searched for colorful eggs hidden throughout the grounds. This was followed by a shared lenten dinner, where families and participants gathered around the table to enjoy food, fellowship, and conversation, strengthening the sense of community that defined the retreat.

As evening approached, everyone came together for Vespers service, a peaceful and reflective close to a day filled with energy and joy. The soft glow of candles and the reverent prayers created a beautiful contrast to the day’s lively activities, grounding the children in the spiritual significance of the season.

Throughout the retreat, the spirit of community was ever-present. Older children helped younger ones, friendships were strengthened, and everyone shared in the joy of learning and celebration. The day served as a meaningful reminder that faith can be both deeply reverent and joyfully lived.

As the retreat came to a close, the children left not only with crafts and songs but with a renewed connection to their traditions and a deeper understanding of the significance of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. It was a day that beautifully reflected the richness of Serbian Orthodox culture—where faith, creativity, and community come together in harmony.