Jesus’ return to Jerusalem: Palm Sunday commemorated across city’s churches

Day marks start of Holy Week in which Christians recall Christ's sufferings

KARACHI: Palm Sunday was marked across different churches in the city to commemorate the day of Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem.

Every year, from morning onwards, masses are held inside churches. This is followed by processions in which Christians honour the day by holding palm fronds and say "Hosanna", in praise and contentment over Christ's return.

"When Jesus Christ was entering Jerusalem, people gave him a joyous welcome. They laid out palm leaves and fronds along with their clothes in his path. The celebrations inside churches are in remembrance of this day as after it, hardship started for Christ," said Pastor Khurram of Bible Baptist Church in Malir.

"Jesus Christ was a messenger of peace and prosperity. He was against all fighting and conflict," he said, explaining the significance of the day.



"The day signifies that Christ is our spiritual king. It is a day of happiness," said Pastor Akram of Great Gospel Church. He explained that the colour green of the palm leaves represents joy and the belief that a day will come when Christ will return.

"It was a characteristic of those times that kings would be welcomed and greeted this way [by laying out palm leaves and branches in their path]," explained Pastor Khurram, while talking about the relevance of palm trees in those times.

Palm Sunday is a simple ceremony in which small processions are taken out inside the compounds of churches or areas around churches. "Other than holding out palm fronds, we also hold candles and dupattas as a symbol to mark the return to Christ," said Nasir, a church-goer.

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, in which Christians will pray, fast and remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ. The week will be followed by Good Friday - the day of Christ's crucifixion - and Easter Sunday - the day which Christians believes marks his resurrection.

"The message for the community is to open their hearts and make them ready for Christ's warm welcome," said Pastor Khurram.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st,  2016.