Orthodox Church celebrates Palm Sunday

On the sixth Sunday of Great Lent, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, known among Christians as Palm Sunday or “Bzoba” in Georgian tradition. It is the first of the Twelve Great Movable Feasts and always falls on the Sunday before Easter.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem, hailed by the people as a victorious king. Ordinary people greeted Him with spontaneous joy and reverence, spreading their garments on the road and waving palm or boxwood branches, crying out: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

The Gospels highlight the contrast between the public celebration and Jesus’ humility. Despite being honored as a king, Christ consistently avoided earthly glory and exaltation, choosing instead the path of humility and peace.

This celebration was not planned by religious authorities—it was an outpouring of pure and sincere emotion, inspired by the people’s awe at God’s greatness and the miracles of Jesus. It gave the faithful a chance to express their love and devotion, and offered His adversaries a final opportunity to recognize the truth and turn toward repentance.

Through His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus offered both hope and challenge—a moment of grace for all to either embrace Him with faith or reflect in humility.