Palm Sunday - Entry into Jerusalem - Passion Week

Palm Sunday, which solemnly commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem prior to his Passion is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah:  "Fear not, O daughter of Zion; behold your King is coming, sitting on the colt of a donkey."  A large crowd eagerly awaited our Lord, curious to catch a glimpse of the One Who raised Lazarus from the dead. Upon seeing Him they placed their garments in His path - the traditional greeting for an annoited king - and with palms and branches in hand, the crowd shouted out:  "Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Christ, however, was not the type of "king" that they were really seeking. They longed for a temporal ruler who would free them from Roman opression and restore the ancient kingdom of Israel. The sadness in the eyes of the Lord on the Icon of His entry into Jerusalem reflects the words He would speak to Pontius Pilate in a few days:  "My Kingdom is not of this world."

The honor given to Jesus lasted only for a brief moment, for His betrayal by Judas, His rejection of the people, His condemnation by the Jewish leaders, His Passion, and His Crucifixion followed in quick succession. These very same people who on Sunday cried out "Hosanna!" within a few days would cry out "Crucify Him!".  Palm Sunday teaches us the instability of earthly glory and the vanity of earthy happiness.

Troparion of the Feast (Tone 1):   By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion, You did confirm the universal Resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, We cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death; Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!