Today, on the Sunday before Holy Pascha, we joyfully celebrate the Great Feast of the Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem, commonly known as Palm Sunday. This sacred event is recounted in all four Gospels.
Following the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, many who witnessed it came to believe in Christ. In response, the Jewish High Priests and Pharisees resolved to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death. Thus, the next day, Christ set out for Jerusalem, while Lazarus fled to Cyprus for safety.
As the Feast of Passover approached, Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. The people, having heard of Christ’s teachings and the astounding resurrection of Lazarus, eagerly sought to see Him.
In preparation for His entry into the city, Christ sent His disciples to bring a young donkey. Riding upon the colt, the Lord—He who holds Heaven as His throne—entered Jerusalem in meekness, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah:
“Behold, your king is coming to you; humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).
The crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, a symbol of victory in the ancient world, and laid their garments on the road before Him. With great joy they cried out:
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” (John 12:13).
Today, we too receive Christ into the Jerusalem of our hearts, proclaiming Him as our Lord and King. Yet, as we enter into Holy Week, we are reminded that this moment of triumph soon gives way to sorrow, for the world welcomed its King on the path to His Passion and death.
In our churches, palm branches adorn the space, and crosses woven from palm leaves are distributed to the faithful. Because of the Feast’s celebratory nature, the fasting rules are relaxed, and the faithful are permitted to partake of fish.