Thousands take to the streets to celebrate Palm Sunday in Bucharest (+ VIDEO)

Bucharest, April 23, 2019

Photo: basilica.ro Photo: basilica.ro     

The Orthodox faithful of the Romanian capital continued their annual tradition on Saturday, filling the streets by the thousands in honor of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem.

The throng of clergy and people started their holy procession from Radu Voda Monastery, where palm branches and pussy willows were blessed by His Grace Bishop Timothy of Prahova, reports the Basilica News Agency. The procession was then led by Bp. Timothy as the Romanian faithful made their way to the Patriarchal Cathedral, chanting hymns as they marched along the streets of the capital.

An icon of the great feast of Palm Sunday was carried at the head of the procession, which stopped at two churches along the way to pray and read passages from the akathist for the feast of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem.

The pilgrims were welcome at the cathedral by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania, who blessed the icon with holy water and blessed all the faithful participants.

“We took the profession of our faith outside the church walls and showed it publicly to the city,” Pat. Daniel told the processors. “This beautiful day, blessed by God, is a prediction of the Holy Week of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, of His Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. This Palm Sunday procession is a foretaste of the joy of holy Pascha,” he continued.

In addressing the gathered clergy, monastics, and faithful, His Beatitude stressed four spiritual meanings to the procession: a commemoration of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, a prediction of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection, a profession of faith to the city, and a blessing for society. Many blessings are poured out upon those who attend the procession, the Patriarch said, and upon all citizens through their prayers and the singing of Church hymns.

“This holy tradition of the Palm Sunday procession is a source of blessing,” the Patriarch preached. It “is not just a commemoration, but also an update, a renewal, a presence of the Holy Spirit of Christ Who once entered into Jerusalem and now enters into the Jerusalem of our souls.”

“So, those who participate in this pilgrimage are blessed and bearers of blessing to society and the city,” His Beatitude concluded.

Follow us on Facebook!

4/23/2019

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required
×