Palm Sunday Celebrated at Christianity’s Oldest Nation, Children Take Center Stage

The Armenian Apostolic Church markets celebrating Palm Sunday on March 29 with a series of religious ceremonies at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the most important spiritual centers for Armenians around the world. The day, which commemorates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, was observed as a special occasion dedicated to children, following a blessing declared by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The celebrations began with a morning service at the Mother See, bringing together clergy and faithful for prayer and reflection. Following the service, the Antasdan ceremony, which symbolizes the blessing of the four corners of the world, was held in the candle-lighting chapel. The ceremony was led by the Catholicos of All Armenians and was followed by a special blessing of children.

Many children gathered at the Mother See for the occasion. His Holiness personally blessed them and presented crosses, marking the importance of the day as one focused on the spiritual life and future of the younger generation. At the same time, members of the faithful received blessed willow branches, which are traditionally distributed on Palm Sunday in Armenia.

Later in the day, a Holy and Immortal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. The service was presided over by Karekin II, while the celebrant was Archimandrite Fr. Zakaria Baghumyan, Director of the Preaching Center of the Mother See.

During the liturgy, Fr. Zakaria Baghumyan delivered a sermon reflecting on the meaning of Palm Sunday and its message for believers. He said:

“Jesus entered Jerusalem not to be glorified, but to suffer and be crucified for the salvation of humanity. Those who glorify the Lord today will tomorrow demand from Pilate that He be crucified. This bright feast is a unique test of faith, where it is important not only to bless and glorify, but also to remain unconditionally faithful to God and to the rich spiritual heritage passed down by our fathers. Therefore, let us open the doors of our hearts and allow Jesus to enter and reign there, guiding us toward victory and the Kingdom of Heaven.”

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the blessing of children was performed once again under the leadership of the Catholicos, reinforcing the Church’s message that Palm Sunday is not only a celebration of faith but also a moment to focus on the spiritual upbringing of children.

Palm Sunday remains one of the important feasts in the Armenian Apostolic Church, marking the beginning of Holy Week and preparing the faithful for the events leading up to Easter. The ceremonies at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reflected both the deep religious meaning of the day and its special role in honoring and blessing the younger generation.

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