The entrance of the Lord to Jerusalem is one of the 12 main (twelve) holidays in Orthodoxy. He is transient, celebrated on the 6th Sunday of Lent – a week before Easter. IN 2013 date falls on April 28
A photo from open sources
Holiday Names
On this day, the Church recalls how, 6 days before the Old Testament Jews Easter solemnly greeted those who arrived in Jerusalem Christ, meeting him as a messiah and a miracle worker, since they knew about a miracle the resurrection of Lazarus on the eve. Hence the name holiday “Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem.”
Also, the last Sunday before Easter is called Wai Week. and Palm Sunday The fact is that an important place in symbolism the holiday is occupied by palm branches, “vayi” translated from Greek (we will tell you more about branches and their meaning below). To the word “Wai Week” goes back to this word.
The Latin name of the holiday is Dominica in palmis (Palm Sunday). In modern European languages today is used the name “Palm”, for example, in English – Palm Sunday.
Since in Russia palm branches are traditionally replaced by branches willow, in our country, the holiday is called “Palm Sunday”.
A photo from open sources Icon
The essence of the biblical event
All four gospels speak of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21.1-11; Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.29-44; John 12.12-19).
Three of the Evangelists write that Jesus, approaching the city, instructed bring two young students a donkey that no one has ever sat down, in another Gospel (John) just mentions that Christ, finding a young donkey, sat on it. So, on a donkey, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem, and people who already knew that on the eve of the miracle of the resurrection of the righteous Lazarus, solemnly greeted Jesus and spread his own in His path clothes and palm branches cut from trees.
Why would Easter branches of willow be sanctified?
This question can be answered very simply. In central parts of Russia willow is the only public plant that has come to life after the winter and let loose its tassels. Verbochki replaced palm branches that are absent in our area, which are a mandatory attribute of an ancient Orthodox holiday in honor of entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. This event is a ceremonial entry Jesus Christ to Jerusalem – Christ’s ascension begins to death and resurrection. The inhabitants of the holy city met Christ as Messiah – with palm branches in his hands, hence the original name holiday – “Palm Sunday”.
In addition, they shouted to Christ: “Hosanna (that is, salvation) to the Son To David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (i.e. – worthy praise sent from God) King of Israel! Hosanna in the highest! ”
What explains this joy and these words? First of all, as already it was said, with glee from the miracle of Christ’s resurrection Lazarus. Important is the fact that with such solemnity in the ancient times in the East met kings. This is a Jewish custom: rulers who returned triumphantly after defeating enemies, drove into the city on horses or donkeys, and the people met them with palm branches and flowers (hence another name for the holiday – Flower week).
Thus, the meaning of the actions of those who meet Jesus people: believing in Christ, the people were ready to recognize in Him the king.
At the same time, despite the solemnity and light of the holiday, in it the other side is also focused. Besides the fact that Palm Sunday, as it were, opens Holy Week and precedes The cross death of Christ, who is crucified on the fifth day after described events, the Church is grieving due to the fact that the same people who sincerely greeted Christ and shouted “Hosanna!” very soon they will shout, “Crucify him, crucify him!”
A photo from open sources Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. Pietro Lorenzetti
Tradition of celebration
Like the people of Jerusalem who greeted Jesus Christ palm tree branches, on the 6th Sunday of Lent parishioners go to the temple with branches of local plants. In Russia the traditional plant of the holiday instead of “vayya” is willow.
Why? In fact, this is mostly tribute to the “northern” climate. In our country, willow is one of those plants that blooms before the rest in spring, gives a kidney, showing signs awakening after the winter of life.
Willow is consecrated in temples on the eve of Saturday night on All-night Vigil: after reading the Gospel, the 50th psalm is read, then branches are sprinkled with holy water. After that they are heard worshipers, and parishioners stand until the end of the service with willow and lit candles. Usually the sprinkling is repeated on Palm Sunday itself. at the Liturgy (Liturgy of John Chrysostom is served).
On Palm Sunday, fish is allowed for the meal.
Materials used sites: Cathedral of Christ the Savior Khhs.ru, Patriarchia.ru, Pravmir.ru, as well as the Orthodox Encyclopedia
Plants Russia
