Greek Orthodox Christians across Australia filled churches on Sunday, 13 April, to mark Palm Sunday, a significant feast day that signals the beginning of Holy Week in the Orthodox calendar.
Known as the Triumphal Entry, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion and resurrection.
In churches from Melbourne to Perth, the faithful gathered in large numbers for Matins and Divine Liturgy, where they received the Sacrament of Holy Communion and took home blessed palm crosses as symbols of Christ’s victory over death.
In Melbourne, over 1,100 parishioners attended services at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Anargiri in Oakleigh, presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and parish priest Rev. Fr. Stavros Kakavas. Attendees included students from Oakleigh Grammar and local MP Steve Dimopoulos. Following the service, a traditional luncheon was held at the school hall, further strengthening the sense of community.
At the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady “Axion Esti” in Northcote, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora led services and reflected on the Resurrection of Lazarus as a prelude to Christ’s own Resurrection. He called upon the faithful to participate actively in the upcoming Holy Week services, “not as spectators, but as participants in the Divine Drama,” and encouraged them to rise spiritually from sin and indifference.
In Sydney, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia presided over the Palm Sunday service at the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah. The church was filled with worshippers who gathered in reverence for the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Palms. Bishop Christodoulos delivered a heartfelt homily, encouraging the faithful to approach Holy Week with prayer, humility, and spiritual focus.
In Western Australia, Palm Sunday was celebrated at St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Dianella, Perth, where His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth presided. During his sermon, he spoke of Christ’s threefold role as King, Teacher, and High Priest, and encouraged the faithful to allow Christ to reign in their hearts and homes.
Across all services, palm crosses were blessed and distributed, and the faithful took part in a day of reflection, community, and spiritual preparation for the solemn days to come.
Despite being a fasting period, the day offered a joyful reprieve with the traditional Palm Sunday dish of bakaliaros me skordalia—fried cod with garlic mash—being enjoyed by many in line with Orthodox tradition.
As Holy Week continues, Greek Orthodox Australians now enter a more solemn phase of the liturgical calendar, culminating in the Resurrection of Christ on Pascha.
