Open news feed Close news feed
A A

WILLOW BRANCHES WILL BE PRENTED TO THE LORD

Social

The last Sunday of Lent is Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). The week preceding the Resurrection (Easter), which is the 20th of March this year, is marked in the life of Jesus with a series of events that were ordained or prophesied.

These events include the resurrection of Lazarus and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted him with olive and palm branches and with the words, Hosanna! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. (John 12: 13)

On Palm Sunday the curtain, closed since the beginning of Lent (Boun Barekendan), is opened, traditionally following Drnbatsek (opening the door) ceremony in the morning.

During the Andastan service (Blessing of the Four Corners of the World), the palms are blessed and passed out to the faithful.

A procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is an old custom on Palm Sunday, which continues to be an impressive sight to see all of the young children of the parish dressed in their best clothes parade around the church.

Each day of Holy Week (Avag Shabat) is a holy day. It is gratifying to see that these commemorations, many of which had been discontinued, are being revived by many of our parishes.

On March 20 in all the churches a holy mass will be celebrated after which children will be blessed.

In connection with the celebration the Holy Echmiadzin organizes a demonstration. It wil start at 3 p.m. near the Church St. Sargis. Everyone are invited to take part in the demonstration.