Great Feast

Palm Sunday

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem

Icon: Palm Sunday
Entry into Jerusalem (Afon icon) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

When: the Sunday before Pascha.

A week before Pascha, Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds spread garments and branches before Him, crying “Hosanna to the Son of David!” All four Gospels describe this entry.

The day before, Lazarus Saturday, recalls Christ raising His friend Lazarus from the dead, which is why the crowds came out to meet Him. Together the two days open Holy Week.

Palms, willow or pussy-willow branches are blessed and held during the services. Fish is allowed even though it falls in the Lenten season.

Written for this app in our own words from the Gospels and long-standing Church tradition. All Great Feasts & Holy Week · Calendar