How to make your own Holy Cross for Palm Sunday

·

As Orthodox Easter quickly approaches, the Greek community prepares to carry out its annual spiritual and cultural traditions.

One tradition is creating the Holy Cross out of a palm leaf ahead of Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted him with palm branches, hailing him as the Messiah.

In the Greek Orthodox faith, parishioners gather to weave palm leaves into crosses, which symbolise victory and peace. The significance of the palm leaves stretches back to ancient times, with references in both Jewish and Christian scriptures.

These special crosses, which have been passed down through generations, serve as a reminder of Christ’s presence among believers, and are handed out ahead of his Crucifixion.

How to make the Holy Cross:

  • Step 1:  Hold palm pointing up; about 5-6 inches from the bottom, fold top over keeping the long part toward you.
  • Step 2: About 1½-inches from the top, fold long end on the diagonal to the right, making a right angle.
  • Step 3:  Wrap the long end around the upright 2½ times – this is important!
  • Step 4:  Flip it over.
  • Step 5: Make an arm about 1½–2-inches, folding the long end toward you.
  • Step 6: Make second arm, folding on the left.
  • Step 7:  Make a diagonal fold so the long end points up.
  • Step 8: Slip the point of the long end behind the centre loops.
  • Step 9: Loop the long end a 2nd time behind the centre loops; pull taut to secure the cross. The top piece may be adjusted by pulling on the base.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic at a crossroads: Damon Hanlin on Belmore, finances and the future

As construction threatens its home, Sydney Olympic enters a new era - chasing stability, respect and results on the national stage.

Cypriot community gathers in Sydney to mark 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus Community of NSW hosted a special commemoration on Sunday, marking 65 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Sydney’s Lemnian community marks 113 years since the liberation of Lemnos

The Lemnian Association of Sydney and New South Wales “Maroula” marked the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos.

Pan-Macedonian Association marks 42 years of Dimitria Festival in Sydney

With full formality, the Macedonian celebrations “Dimitria” began on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year.

Australian Embassy in Athens hosts book launch on Australia’s first Greek female settler

The Australian Embassy in Athens hosted the launch of Η Πρώτη Έποικος (The First Settler) on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

You May Also Like

Plans to upgrade Greece’s public healthcare with three nature-inspired hospitals

Renzo Piano Building Workshop have joined forces with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Health Initiative for three new hospital concepts.

Olympia bar named among the 20 best in Melbourne

Once an old car park above Oakleigh Market, Olympia bar is now a two-story tribute to the Greek Islands complete with a rooftop bar.

Greek PM meets with new US ambassador and reaffirm strong bilateral relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the newly appointed US ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, in his offices this week.