Palm Sunday Across The Anglican Communion

What is Palm Sunday?

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Matthew 21:9

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. In the Anglican tradition, it is a day of both celebration and reflection.

Congregations often receive palm crosses, which are sometimes carried in processions around the church. This act symbolises the crowds who welcomed Jesus with palm branches as he entered Jerusalem. Anglican liturgy includes readings from the Gospels recounting Jesus’ suffering. These readings highlight the contrast between the joyous welcome he received and the events that would lead to his death. 

Across the Anglican world, Palm Sunday is celebrated in many different ways. Whether carrying palm crosses, singing in procession, or meditating on the Passion story, all these celebrations unite communities in remembering Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and in beginning Holy Week with worship. 

Here is a snapshot from across the Anglican Communion.

Gallery

St. Thomas’ Cathedral Kuching 古晋圣公会圣多玛座堂 – Malaysia
The aisle is lined with palm crosses as the altar servers process through the cathedral.

Walk of Witness – Churches Together in Golders Green, London, UK

Local churches gather for a street procession.

St. George’s Cathedral – Jerusalem

At St. George’s, worshippers carried palm branches and sang as they marked Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the city “God chose to be the stage for the greatest events of redemption”. Archbishop Hosam Naoum reminded the congregation: “The true entry into Jerusalem is the entry of the heart into the mystery of redemption… to carry our cross, as the Lord said: ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23). 

This year, celebrations have been overshadowed by the conflict in the region. In response, Archbishop Naoum asked: “Can praise truly be silenced? Processions may be cancelled, voices may fall silent… but nothing can extinguish the love of God or halt His saving work.”

St Andrew’s Tokyo – Anglican Church in Japan (Nippon Sei Ko Kai)

Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral – Bangor, Church in Wales

A donkey joins the service! Recalling the animal Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a sign of his humility and service.

Sitio Pintor – Iglesia Filipina Independiente

College of the Transfiguration – South Africa

Students and staff process around the college grounds in jubilant praise.

St Cyprian’s Cathedral – Ghana

Anglican Cathedral – São Paulo, Brazil

A group from the church performs a live dramatisation of the Passion of Christ. This retelling depicts key moments of Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion, highlighting his suffering and sacrifice.

St John’s Cathedral 聖公會聖約翰座堂 – Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

How did you celebrate Palm Sunday this year?

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