Western Diocese

On March 28, 2010, the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Following morning services in the Mother Cathedral, the Blessing of the Four Corners of the Earth (Andastan) was offered in the courtyard of the cathedral. At the conclusion of the service, His Holiness blessed and distributed willow branches to the faithful in attendance.

The Pontiff of All Armenians spoke to the children who had gathered, telling them the importance of Palm Sunday, and encouraging them to be faithful sons and daughters of the Church. His Holiness blessed the children who had come from the Armenian Church Youth Centers and regions of Armenia.

Following the services of the morning, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral. The celebrant of the Liturgy was His Grace Bishop Sahak Mashalian, Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary. In his sermon, Bishop Sahak reflected on the mystery of Palm Sunday and encouraged the faithful to have faith that was clean and pure, a faith which has been passed on to all by the children who witnessed the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem. He explained that on that day the children instantly recognized our Savior in Jesus Christ and glorified Him.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Holiness blessed and congratulated the children who had gathered in the chancel. The children were presented with gifts and children's spiritual literature that has been prepared by the Christian Education Center of the Mother See. Following Divine Liturgy, many children participated in the traditional chalk drawing competition that was held in front of the arch of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Throughout the day, people visiting the Mother See had an opportunity to listen to music performed by the Brass Band of the Armenian Church Youth Center of Malatia.