Palm Sunday Feast at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
29.03.2026
On March 29, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church commemorated the Triumphal Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem — Palm Sunday, which, by the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has been proclaimed the Day of the Blessing of Children.
On this occasion, following the Morning Service, and under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Antasdan ceremony (the blessing of the four corners of the world) was performed in the Candle-Lighting Prayer Hall of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, after which the Order of the Blessing of Children was conducted.
His Holiness bestowed his blessing upon the many children gathered at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presenting them with crosses, while the faithful received willow branches blessed during the Antasdan ceremony.
On the occasion of this radiant and grace-filled feast, the Holy and Immortal Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
The celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was Very Rev. Fr. Zakaria Baghumyan, Proto-Archimandrite and Director of the Preaching Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
In his sermon, reflecting on the meaning of the day, the Reverend Father noted:
“Jesus entered Jerusalem not to be glorified, but to suffer and to be crucified for the salvation of humanity. Those who glorify the Lord today will tomorrow demand of Pilate that He be crucified. This radiant feast is a unique test of faith, reminding us that it is important not only to praise and glorify the Lord, but also to remain unconditionally faithful to God and to the rich spiritual heritage bequeathed to us by our fathers. Therefore, let us open the doors of our hearts and allow Jesus to enter and reign within them, leading us to victory and to the Kingdom of Heaven.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, again under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Order of the Blessing of Children was performed once more.
