Greek Orthodox faithful across Australia celebrate Palm Sunday

·

Greek Orthodox churches across Australia were packed on Palm Sunday, April 28 this year as thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the start of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday, also known as the Triumphal Entry, is one of the Orthodox Church’s Great Feasts. It is held on the Sunday before Pascha (Orthodox Easter). On this day, the Church celebrates Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem in the days before the Jewish Passover.

On Sunday, Greek Orthodox faithful attended church for Divine Liturgy services and partook in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

During the service, the Greek Orthodox Church observes the Blessing and Distribution of the Palms. The palm tree branches represent Christ’s triumph over the devil and death. People who attended the liturgy were given palm crosses to take home and place near the icon of Jesus Christ.  

After church, many people either enjoyed a meal with fellow parishioners or went home to enjoy the day with family.

Although it is still Sarakosti (40 days of Lent), Greeks around the world eat fish on Palm Sunday. The Greek Orthodox Church permits the consumption of fish, oil, and wine, but not dairy products, eggs, chicken, or red meat.

Usually, the classic dish that Greek Orthodox people consume on Palm Sunday is Bakaliaros with skordalia, a dish that contains fried cod fillet with a creamy garlic mash.  

The next three days of Holy Week will shift into an atmosphere of mourning as they mark the days leading to Christ’s crucifixion.

READ MORE: Holy Monday: The Service of the Bridegroom begins

greek film festival 2025

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Libya lodges UN complaint over Greece’s maritime zone

Libya has formally submitted a diplomatic complaint to the United Nations, objecting to Greece’s delineation of its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Bill Papastergiadis calls on Australian Prime Minister to condemn decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne have sent a letter to Scott Morrison requesting the world leader to similarly denounce the decision.

Nikos Androulakis leads in first voting round for KINAL leadership

European Parliament lawmaker Nikos Androulakis looks likely to snatch the Movement for Change (KINAL) party’s top job.