Coronavirus keeps relics of Jesus's friend Lazarus behind closed doors

A priest carries what the Greek Orthodox Church says are relics of Lazarus during a procession around the Church of St. Lazarus, as faithful are not allowed to attend due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Larnaca, Cyprus, April 11, 2020. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

NICOSIA (Reuters) - Eight days before Orthodox Easter each year, a casket containing remains of Jesus's friend Lazarus is carried through the streets of the Cypriot town of Larnaca, believed by many Christians to be the saint's second resting place.

Only this year, Lazarus's remains are staying inside a stone church in the town due to the coronavirus outbreak and a strict lockdown on the Mediterranean island, which has reported 595 cases of the virus and 10 deaths.