PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
Website: 
April 4, 2007

Palm Sunday in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is not only a
historic event, but also an opportunity for festive commemoration every year
on the last Sunday before Easter.  This year, Palm Sunday was celebrated
throughout the world and in all Armenian Churches on April 1.  In the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, continued the tradition of blessing the children and presided
during a number of services focused on the youth.

In the Cathedral of All Armenians – Holy Etchmiadzin, the festive songs and
psalms of the Morning Service began early in the day.  At mid-morning, His
Holiness presided and offered the `Andastan’ service in the courtyard of the
Mother Cathedral, blessing the four corners of the earth and the willow
branches which were to be distributed to the faithful throughout the course
of the day.  Surrounded by hundreds of children, His Holiness blessed them
all, congratulating them and presenting them with gifts.

Prior to the commencement of the Divine Liturgy, approximately 250 young
boys and girls participated in a chalk-art competition in the courtyard of
Holy Etchmiadzin.  Rev. Fr. Khad Ghazarian, Director of the Youth Centers
jointly sponsored by the Mother See and AGBU, organized the annual event
which displayed the artistic talents of the children.  In the festive
atmosphere of music and singing, the young artists covered the stone
pavement with their colorful national and church themed drawings.  Similar
competitions were organized throughout the capital city of Yerevan as well.

As the Divine Liturgy commenced, many high-ranking state officials, guests
from abroad and thousands of faithful greeted the pontifical procession
entering into the cathedral with their willow branches and colorful
flowers.  The liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian,
Grand Sacristan of the Mother See.

At the conclusion of the service, the Pontiff of All Armenians offered a
prayer for blessing the children, extending to them his fatherly love and
special message.  Thousands of families, with children young and old,
continued to visit Holy Etchmiadzin throughout the day, bringing with them
willow branches, flowers, candles and their heartfelt prayers in celebration
of the feast.