A Joyous Prelude to Holy Week
As Great Lent draws to a close, the Orthodox Church erupts in celebration with Palm Sunday, commemorating Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This glorious feast marks the beginning of Holy Week, bridging the resurrection of Lazarus with the coming Passion of our Lord.
The crowds, having witnessed Jesus’ miracles—especially the raising of Lazarus—hailed Him as Messiah and King, waving palm branches and shouting:
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13)
Yet, in a profound paradox, the same crowds would soon cry for His crucifixion. Palm Sunday is a feast of victory and humility, where Christ—the King of Glory—enters not on a warhorse, but on a lowly donkey, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph through the Cross.
The Biblical Account: A Prophetic Procession
All four Gospels record this pivotal moment (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-38; John 12:12-18).
1. The Humble King Arrives
Five days before Passover, Jesus sent two disciples to fetch a colt of a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
By choosing a donkey—a symbol of peace, unlike a warhorse—Jesus revealed His kingdom as one of mercy, not earthly power.
2. The Crowd’s Ecstatic Welcome
People spread palm branches and cloaks before Him, a royal gesture reserved for conquering kings. Their cries of “Hosanna!” (meaning “Save us now!”) echoed Psalm 118, a messianic hymn of deliverance.
Yet, their expectations were political—they longed for a warrior Messiah to overthrow Rome. Little did they know, Christ’s battle was against sin and death itself.
3. The Shadow of the Cross
Amidst the celebration, Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), foreseeing its destruction and the rejection of His salvation.
This moment encapsulates the twofold nature of Palm Sunday:
A Triumph: The people recognize Jesus as King.
A Tragedy: Many would soon abandon Him.
Why Palm Sunday Matters for Us Today
1. Christ Comes to Us—Not Just Jerusalem
Palm Sunday is not merely a historical event—it’s a living reality. Christ continues to enter our lives through:
The Eucharist (where He comes in flesh and blood)
Prayer & Sacraments (where He reigns in our hearts)
Acts of Mercy (where we greet Him in others)
2. The Kingdom of God is Within Us
As St. Theophan the Recluse taught:
“The Kingdom of God is within us when God reigns in us, when the soul confesses Him as Master.”
This kingdom is not a distant future hope—it begins now, transforming us into bearers of holiness, love, and peace.
3. True Kingship is Sacrificial
Christ’s entry into Jerusalem was a prelude to His Passion. His crown would be thorns, His throne the Cross.
Palm Sunday calls us to surrender to His rule—not as a distant monarch, but as the Suffering Servant who dies for His people.
The Icon of Palm Sunday: A Vision of Christ’s Kingship
The icon of the feast captures profound theological truths:
Christ sits on a donkey, blessing with one hand and holding a scroll of prophecy in the other.
Disciples follow Him, while Jews and children wave palm branches.
Jerusalem’s walls loom in the background, foreshadowing His coming betrayal.
The donkey, an unclean animal, symbolizes that Christ’s salvation is for all nations.
How the Orthodox Church Celebrates Palm Sunday
1. Liturgical Services
Great Vespers (Saturday evening) – Prophecies of Christ’s coming (Zechariah 9:9-15).
Matins & Divine Liturgy (Sunday morning) – Gospel readings of the Triumphal Entry (John 12:1-18).
2. Blessing of Palms
Faithful carry palm branches (or pussy willows in Slavic traditions), symbolizing:
Victory over death
Readiness to follow Christ into Holy Week
A special prayer is said, blessing not just the palms, but the faithful who hold them.
3. Key Hymns
Apolytikion (Tone 1)
“By raising Lazarus… we cry to You: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes!”
Kontakion (Plagal of the 2nd Tone)
“Sitting on Your throne in heaven, carried on a foal on earth… Blessed is He who comes to recall Adam!”
Final Reflection: Will We Welcome Christ as King?
Palm Sunday challenges us:
Do we praise Christ on Sunday, only to betray Him by Friday?
Are we ready to accept His kingdom—not as we wish it, but as He offers it?
As we enter Holy Week, let us lay down our own cloaks of pride and wave the palms of faithfulness, crying out with sincerity:
“Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”