There are special holidays in the Orthodox Church, the celebrations in honor of which are reflected in the culture of the Russian people. One of these is Palm Sunday.
Some Orthodox holidays, in addition to the statutory name, also have popular names. Palm Sunday celebration is one such example. The Orthodox Church calls this great twelfth triumph the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. The name itself speaks of the essence of a recalled event. On this day, the Church triumphs in honor of the procession of the Lord Jesus Christ to the main city of ancient Israel - Jerusalem. The Lord, in great humility and meekness, marched on free suffering for the salvation of mankind. The Jewish people, who saw the many miracles of Christ, greeted the Savior with joyful exclamations and laid the branches of palm trees on the Lord in the likeness of the meeting of the kings.
In Russia, places where palm trees grow in abundance are rare. In our country, it has become a tradition to consecrate willow branches instead of palm trees. Therefore, the holiday was called Palm Sunday. As can be seen from the popular naming of the celebration, this day falls annually on the last day of the week (Sunday). However, the holiday date itself is not fixed under a certain number, which allows us to talk about this day as a passing celebrated event.
Palm Sunday dating directly depends on Easter. As can be seen from the gospel account, the Savior entered Jerusalem a week before Holy Sunday. Therefore, Palm Sunday is celebrated annually on the last Sunday before the Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Knowing the date of the Orthodox Easter of the Lord in 2016, you can easily calculate Palm Sunday. Orthodox Easter in 2016 falls on May 1st (new style), therefore Palm Sunday in 2016 falls on April 24th.
So, Palm Sunday in 2016 will be celebrated in Russia on April 24th. On this day in all Orthodox churches solemn services will be held. It is worth noting that the consecration of willow by tradition takes place on the eve of Saturday night for an all-night vigil.
On Palm Sunday, the relaxation of fasting is blessed. Believers are allowed to eat fish.
