The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Palm Sunday (Tsakhkazard) and the day of blessing of children. The holiday is celebrated on the last Sunday of Lent, a week before Easter, and is dedicated to the solemn entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II proclaimed Tsakhkazard as the Day of Blessing of the Children in memory of the fact that at the time of Jesus’ entry into the Temple in Jerusalem, the children exultingly exclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David”.
In the Armenian Apostolic Church the Holy Liturgy on Palm Sunday is served in the open tabernacle. And on the festive morning the branches of olive or willow trees are blessed.
History of the Feast
People going to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover lined the way of Jesus with their clothes, cut branches from palm and olive trees and scattered them on the road. According to the teachings of the Church Fathers, the scattering of clothes before Jesus symbolized liberation from sins. The offering of branches and twigs symbolized special honors and solemnity. The branch of the olive tree was considered a symbol of wisdom, peace, glory, and rejoicing. The offering of palm and olive branches to Christ, who raised Lazarus, symbolized victory over death.
Christ went to Jerusalem of his own free will to show that he was the Lamb of God who would atone for the sins of all men by his suffering and death.
The period from the Monday after the feast of Tzahkazard until the Bright Sunday of Christ is called Holy (Great) Week. Each of its days is also called Great, having a conventional name, which is dedicated to one or another event from the earthly life of the Savior. The last commandments, sufferings, death and resurrection of Christ are mentioned. The main rites of the Great Week begin on Holy (Great) Thursday.