Christians across Awka and its environs on Sunday commemorated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, an event celebrated worldwide as Palm Sunday.
The celebration began with loud chants of “Hosanna in the Highest” echoing through churches and streets as worshippers carried palm fronds to symbolize the occasion. The event marks the beginning of Holy Week, a period that leads to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
At the Trinity Cathedral in Awka, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Onyekachukwu Nwakanma, emphasized the significance of the day. He described Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, as a reminder of Christ’s glorious march into Jerusalem as the promised Messiah. He urged Christians to live in service to others, just as Jesus did, rather than seeking personal gain at the expense of others.
At the Divine Mercy Chaplaincy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, Reverend Father Michael-Kins Okpala led the blessing of palm fronds. In his homily, he highlighted the supreme kingship of Christ and called on worshippers to use the Holy Week to renew their spiritual commitment to God.
Similarly, at the Anglican Church of the Pentecost, Venerable Chuma Oranye and Reverend Canon Joshua Ufoaro urged the faithful to emulate Christ’s selfless life and message of liberation.
The liturgical color and priestly vestments also changed in observance of the Holy Week, reflecting the transition from the Lenten season to the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
