His Holiness Karekin II Blesses Children on Palm Sunday
13.04.2003
On Sunday, April 13, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin celebrated Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop Housik Santourian. Early in the day the courtyard of the Cathedral quickly filled with young families in anticipation of Palm Sunday services. Following Morning Services, as the Pontifical procession of deacons, priests and bishops entered the courtyard, they were greeted by hundreds of faithful waving palm and willow branches, which they had brought to church to be blessed. His Holiness and the Members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, surrounded by the faithful, conducted the "Andastan" Service in the courtyard of the Cathedral, and blessed the four corners of the world, as well as the palm and willow branches. In attendance for the Divine Liturgy were an extraordinarily large amount of children, from very young infants with their families, to high school and university students. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Holiness the Catholicos blessed all of the children who were present, and offered a prayer for all Armenian children scattered throughout the world. In his message to them, the Armenian Pontiff stated, "Under the luminous arches of our Holy churches, we continue this sweet tradition of blessing our beautiful children on Palm Sunday. Praise is due to you, parents and grandparents, for bringing them today to participate in this Divine Sacrament and receive a blessing. Praise is due to you children, as well, for coming and following in the footsteps of your forefathers." Addressing the gathered children, His Holiness said: "You children will be educated with God's unceasing love and caring commandments, so that you may recognize the good in your lives, and you will be able to keep your direction on the right paths. We ask from our Lord in heaven, that His all-provident gaze keep and protect you, our dear children, so that you may be faithful, dedicated servants of our Holy Faith, as well as worthy citizens of our free and independent homeland." Following the service, the children approached His Holiness, kissed his anointed right hand and received a personal blessing.
