“Hosanna, blessed is He that cometh in the name of God”:
“Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem” Feast Celebrated with Grandeur
On this day we celebrate the panegyric entry of our Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. During His arrival in Jerusalem, as soon as the people heard that Christ was coming, they immediately took palm branches in their hands and ran out to welcome Him. Some of them even laid down their garments in the place where Jesus would pass, and all together they shouted “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of God; the king of Israel.”
Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is a martyrdom entrance towards an endless life with God. In a few days He will be martyred and will die on the cross to overcome death and give life through His resurrection.
In the beginning of this Holy Week, lots of faithful were gathered in the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in Tirana to participate in such a joyous celebration. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania who was assisted by His Eminence Nathaniel, Bishop of Amantia and other clergy. The sermon on this day was held by Deacon Stefan Ritsi from USA who serves in our Church.
In the end, Archbishop Anastasios spoke to the faithful about the importance of the feasts during the Holy Week, inviting them to a spiritual renewal by taking part in the church services of the Week.
Before leaving, the faithful received the prosfora along with the laurel branches.
