Palm Sunday Celebrated in Armenian Churches in Tbilisi

On March 29, 2026, the Sunday preceding the Holy Resurrection, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrated Palm Sunday, which symbolizes the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. On this occasion, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the churches of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

On the eve of Palm Sunday, on Saturday, a forefeast service was held in the churches. Following the evening service, the Opening of the Door Service (Drnbatsek) service was performed, and the curtains of the churches were opened.

From early morning, the courtyards and surrounding areas of the Cathedral of St. George in Tbilisi and Saint Etchmiadzin Church in Avlabari were filled with people. The faithful came to take part in the joy of the Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

At the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Cathedral of St. George, filled with the faithful, and presided over by His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, the celebrant was Rev. Father Virap Ghazaryan.

During the Divine Liturgy, the celebrant priest delivered a sermon appropriate to the occasion, reflecting on the mystery of Palm Sunday and its spiritual message, the defeat of evil and the triumph of goodness and love.

Years ago, the Feast of Palm Sunday was proclaimed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, as a Day of the Blessing of Children. Under the leadership of His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, and with the participation of the clergy and deacons, the blessing of children was performed.

As he gave his blessing to the faithful, His Grace Bishop Kirakos Davtyan spoke about the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Recalling His sufferings, he encouraged everyone to live in the spirit of Palm Sunday, with love, faith, and warmth, to put aside fear and live in Christ, for our Savior is always with us, filling our hearts with His love and strength.

Throughout the day, the flow of people continued to visit the Armenian churches. The clergy blessed the willow branches in the hands of the faithful, as these branches symbolize the special solemnity of the feast.