Palm Sunday Feast at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
13.04.2025
On April 13, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Triumphal Entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem—Palm Sunday. With the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, this feast was also proclaimed, years ago, as the Day of the Blessing of Children.
On this occasion, following the Morning Service and under the auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Andastan ceremony (the blessing of the four corners of the world) and the Blessing of Children were performed in the courtyard of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness imparted his patriarchal blessing upon the children gathered at the Mother See, presenting them with crosses as tokens of divine grace. Blessed willow branches consecrated during the Andastan were then distributed among the faithful.
In celebration of this spiritually renewing feast, the Divine and Immortal Liturgy was offered at the Mother Cathedral, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.
In his homily, Reverend Bishop Vardan reflected upon the spiritual significance of the day, noting that Palm Sunday marks the conclusion of Great Lent and ushers in the sacred journey of Holy Week. Recalling the expectations of the Jewish people and the pilgrims who welcomed Christ into Jerusalem, His Grace emphasized:
“Christ taught us to glorify God, not just in moments of joy, happiness, and success, but equally in times of hardship and trial.
He revealed that the Lord longs to enter into our lives and gently knocks upon the door of each heart; it is ours to open that door—welcoming Christ as the source of our transformation, the author of joy, the wellspring of unity, and the giver of true peace.”
In closing, Bishop Vardan urged all present to be renewed and adorned in Christ so they may be ready to receive the glorious coming of the Lord.
After the Divine Liturgy, and once again under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Blessing of Children rite was performed.
