The Entry of The Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday).
Also referred to as Palm Sunday, the entry of The Lord into Jerusalem is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the liturgical year, and is celebrated on Sunday, one week before Easter. It is in the beginning of Holy Week, started with Lazarus Saturday, which commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany. In many northern countries, the absence of palm branches led to the use of box, yew, willow, and other native trees.
During his stay in at Bethany and Bethphage, Jesus sent two disciples to the village to retrieve a donkey, and if questioned, say that it by the Will of God and that the donkey would be returned. Afterwards, Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem to the glorification of the townspeople of The Holy City. As he looked over the city, he wept and foretold the suffering that awaits the city. The people of Jerusalem laid down their cloaks and small branches of trees as he entered the city, and sang part of Psalms 118: 25-26:
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord."
Until the last supper, Jesus performed various miracles and healings, teaching in the way of parables. Historically, the arrival by means of donkey is metaphorically symbolic to the arrival of peace, as opposed to war, such as when a king would arrive on a horse.
This year the Palm Sunday is celebrated on April 15 (old style) / April 28 (new style), one week before Easter.
Troparions of the Feast:
Today the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together. Let us all take up Thy cross and say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! (First Verse of Vespers).
hen we were buried with Thee in baptism, O Christ God, we were made worthy of eternal life by Thy resurrection. Now we praise Thee and sing: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! (Second Troparion).
Sitting on Thy throne in heaven, and carried on a foal on earth, O Christ God, accept the praise of angels and the songs of children who sing: BIessed is he who comes to recall Adam! (Kontakion).
