Palm Sunday: What is Allowed and What is Prohibited on April 28, 2024

On April 28, 2024, one of the significant Christian holidays is celebrated — the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, also known as Palm Sunday. This holiday is movable and depends on the date of Easter, but is always celebrated on the Sunday preceding Easter. It follows immediately after Lazarus Saturday, emphasizing their close connection. Palm Sunday is one of the twelve major feasts when we remember key events of the New Testament history.

When is Palm Sunday celebrated?

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is celebrated one week before Easter, on the Sunday of the sixth week of Great Lent. This is a movable feast, which means its date in the church calendar is not fixed and depends on the date of Easter.

What is the essence of the holiday?

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is an event described by all four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As reported by the magazine "Foma," after the resurrection of Lazarus, Christ headed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover.

A multitude of people, amazed by the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, followed Him, paying the greatest honors to the Savior. As He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowd shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!" and threw palm branches at His feet — a symbol of royal authority.

Like Lazarus Saturday, the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem stands out against the backdrop of Great Lent. These days lead us to Holy Week, which, although it is a fasting period, already brings us closer to the day of the Resurrection of Christ. Holy Week (from April 29 to May 4) is a special week in the church year when we experience the events of Christ's stay in Jerusalem, His betrayal by Judas, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and burial. Each day of this week, considering the importance of the events being commemorated, is called "great."

Why is the holiday called Palm Sunday?

This holiday is known among the people as Palm Sunday. Believers come to churches with branches and bouquets of willow. The priest blesses the willows on Saturday during the all-night vigil and on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. In Russia and other Slavic countries, palm branches, which symbolize the holiday, were replaced with willows. The first mentions of this tradition can be found in the Izbornik of Svyatoslav, dated to the early 11th century. This is the third oldest manuscript book after the Ostromir Gospel and the Novgorod Codex.

What can be eaten on Palm Sunday?

The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is one of the two holidays during Great Lent when the consumption of fish is allowed.

What is allowed on April 28, 2024?

It is necessary to visit the church for the service with willow.
On this day, one can indulge in fish and a little wine.
It is also recommended to change the bed linen.

What is prohibited on April 28, 2024?

It is important to remember that the fast continues and to maintain the appropriate spiritual mindset.
It is prohibited to lend money.
One should not engage in heavy physical work.
It is not recommended to share secrets with others.