Christian Pilgrims Celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem

Thousands of Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem have taken part in the Palm Sunday’s celebration which ushers in the Holy Week.

News gathered by Cruxnow reports that worshipers were seen carrying palm fronds and olive branches while marching from the top of the Mount of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday marks the remembrance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and is the start of Christian’s most solemn week, which commences from Monday, encompassing Holy Thursday, Good Friday re-enactment of Jesus’ crucifixion and death, then Saturday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Israel Authorities revealed that about 15,000 people took part in the procession, which took off from the Mount of Olives past the Garden of Gethsemane where, according to biblical tradition, Jesus was betrayed, then finally into the alleyways of the Old City.

In another development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo chapter, has advised Christians to utilize the essence of the season to imbibe the culture of sacrificial living.

The Chairman, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

He said, “When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on what we commemorate as Palm Sunday, His entry was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah; He is victorious, triumphant, riding on a donkey.

“We should pray for divine strength, learn to love unconditionally, just like Jesus, we should always allow God’s will to be done in our lives, we should love, be strong even when the going is rough and shouldn’t be Palm Sunday Christians by mouth.”

Akanmu called on Christians to emulate the virtues of humility, love and selfless service of Jesus Christ which made Him give up Himself on the cross to save mankind.