Divine and eternal Liturgies were served at all churches of Javakhk on March 29. The Divine and eternal Liturgy at the Holy Cross Armenian Church was served by Father, Priest Tatev Marukyan and officiated by Vicar of the Prelacy of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka, Father, Archimandrite Babken Salbiyan. After the liturgy, the Holy Father blessed the attending children and the branches of a palm tree that were distributed to the people. As we know, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians has declared Palm Sunday (Tsakhkazard) as the day of blessing of children, as the press divan of the Vicariate of the General Prelacy of Javakhk reports.

More and more citizens of Javakhk were attending the church throughout the day, and one could feel the love and warmth underneath the arches of the church.

Christians keep the branches all year long until next Palm Sunday. On the Sunday before Easter, the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church celebrates Palm Sunday, which symbolizes the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday (Tsakhkazard) is one of the holidays of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is celebrated on the first day of the Holy Week. It is dedicated to some of the final episodes in the life of Jesus Christ on Earth, including his solemn entrance into Jerusalem, cleaning of the temple of people exchanging money and selling pigeons, as well as remembrance of the resurrection of Lazarus.

People received Christ’s entry into Jerusalem with excitement as they spread branches of palm and olive trees and their clothes on the road and screamed “Hosanna to the son of David. Hosanna in the highest heaven! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!”

According to the doctrines of church leaders, spreading cloaks in front of Jesus symbolized relieving oneself of sins, and granting twigs and branches symbolizes special honors and solemnity.