On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the faithful gathered in great numbers at St. Leon Ghevontiants Armenian Cathedral to celebrate the joyous feast of Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into the Holy City of Jerusalem. As recorded in the Gospels, Christ was welcomed by the multitudes who greeted Him with olive branches and jubilant cries of “Hosanna,” proclaiming Him as King. This sacred observance marks the beginning of Holy Week, inviting the faithful to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Cathedral’s pastor, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, with the participation of the clergy and thousands of faithful in attendance. The service was further enriched by the presence of the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who presided over the deeply symbolic “Opening of the Doors” (Turnpatzek) ceremony. This moving rite, rooted in the traditions of the Armenian Church, evokes the anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming and calls upon the faithful to embrace a life of repentance and spiritual renewal.

In accordance with longstanding tradition, the Cathedral’s Sunday School children were invited to be seated in the nave, where they participated in the service with reverence and devotion. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Primate offered his paternal blessing to the children, affirming their vital place in the life of the Church. The celebration of Palm Sunday thus served as a vibrant testament to the enduring faith of the community and its commitment to passing on the rich spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church to future generations.