by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

Palm Sunday and Holy Week represent the pinnacle of our Christian liturgical calendar, a period of profound reflection,  sorrow, and ultimate joy that culminates in Easter. Observed by Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and many other  denominations, this week commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, his suffering, the Passion, death, and resurrection.

Beginning with Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Holy Week unfolds through a series of events that encapsulate the core tenets of Christianity focusing on sacrifice, redemption, and hope. In 2026, Palm Sunday falls on March 29, leading into a week that invites all believers worldwide to relive these pivotal moments through scripture, services, prayers, and community gatherings. 

The significance of Holy Week lies in its dual nature as it’s both a historical remembrance and a spiritual pilgrimage. For Christians, it’s a time to meditate on Jesus’ teachings, his betrayal, crucifixion, and victory over death. Traditions around the world vary across cultures and denominations, but common elements include processions, fasting, vigils, and symbolic acts  like foot-washing or the veneration of the cross. Today we will explore the history, significance, and observances of Palm Sunday and each day of Holy Week, offering some insights into how these events continue to shape our faith and culture  today. 

The roots of Palm Sunday and Holy Week trace back to the New Testament accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These scriptures detail the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion around 30-33 AD during the Jewish Passover time.  Palm Sunday specifically recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him as a king by laying palm branches  and cloaks on the road, shouting “Hosanna!”, in translation it was a cry for salvation. This event fulfilled Old Testament  prophecies, such as Zechariah 9:9, portraying the Messiah riding on a donkey. 

Early Christians began commemorating these events as early as the 4th century, with the establishment of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem. Pilgrims documented processions from the Mount of Olives to the city, following Jesus’ path. By the 8th century, the blessing of palms became widespread in the West. The term “Holy Week” emerged to encompass the entire period, emphasizing its sanctity. 

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Holy Week is integrated with Great Lent, focusing on repentance. Protestant reforms in the 16th century simplified some of the rituals, but the core narrative remained. Today, Holy Week’s date is determined by the lunar calendar, with Palm Sunday always the Sunday before Easter. This movable feast underscores the week’s ties to  ancient Jewish festivals, blending history with theology. 

Palm Sunday, the gateway to Holy Week, celebrates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem amid adulation. In churches, services often  begin with the blessing of palm branches, symbolizing the crowds’ welcome. Processions reenact the event, with  participants waving palms and singing hymns like “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” and “The King of Glory.” The day’s liturgy  shifts from joy to somberness, including the Passion reading, a dramatic recount of Jesus’ trial and death. This contrast highlights the week’s emotional arc. Traditions include burning last year’s palms for Ash Wednesday ashes, symbolizing life’s cycle.

Palm Sunday’s message is one of humility and kingship. Jesus as a servant leader.  

Holy Monday focuses on Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple and the anointing at Bethany. In the Gospels, Jesus overturns tables of moneychangers, decrying corruption. This act symbolizes spiritual purification. Observances are subdued, with readings  and prayers emphasizing integrity. In some traditions, like Orthodox, it’s a day of fasting and contemplation. It is also the day of the anointing by Mary, with expensive oil foreshadowing Jesus’ burial, and highlighting devotion.

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus delivers parables and prophecies in the Temple, including the Olivet Discourse on the end times. Services feature scripture studies that urge vigilance. In our Diocese, it is the day of the Holy Chrism Mass. This Mass is a  major expression of the fullness of the Bishop’s priesthood and diocesan unity.

Holy Oils are blessed that will be used  throughout the churches in the diocese for the year. Holy Chrism Oil, is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, consecrated for use in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. Oil of the Sick, is used for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The third is  Oil of Catechumens, which is used to strengthen those preparing for Baptism. Additionally at this mass, Priests from throughout the diocese gather to renew their ordination promises. It is without question a very special day of the year for the Clergy. 

Spy Wednesday commemorates Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The name stems from Judas “spying” on Jesus to find the best opportunity to hand him over to the Sanhedrin. It marks a somber turning point, emphasizing themes of treachery and the beginning of the Passion Tenebrae services, with extinguishing candles, symbolizing the beginning of the darkness. 

Maundy or Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the message of the washing of the feet.

“I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

It is what is known as the mandatum, a Latin word that simply means “mandate,” and one of the few times in Scripture where God gives us a command, tells us that what He does we must do. That is why, Holy Thursday is also known as “Maundy Thursday,” because from the Latin, Maundy is translated as mandatum, which is what we know as mandate: the mandate to “to love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus demonstrates this with the washing of the feet. This of course, is from where the priest imitates during the Mass. However, Holy Thursday is not just about the mandate, it is also about the institution of the Eucharist as well as the institution of the priesthood, which is why, perhaps, we just call it “Holy Thursday,” or the “Mass of the Lord’s Supper.”

In churches, altars are stripped, preparing for Good Friday, signifying abandonment. 

Good Friday marks Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Services include Stations of the Cross and The Veneration of the Cross. It’s a day of fasting and mourning. We remember that Jesus’ captured, scourged and abandoned by His friends. Jesus faces interrogations and trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pontius Pilate, who ultimately sentences Him to death despite finding no guilt. Jesus is beaten, forced to carry His cross, and mocked by soldiers who place a crown of thorns on His head. 

Around 9 AM, Jesus is nailed to the cross at a place called Golgotha (or Calvary). From noon to 3 PM, darkness covers the land; Jesus cries out and dies, the temple curtain tears, rocks split, and tombs open. After His death, His body is taken down, wrapped, and laid in a tomb. It is the most pivotal day in Christian history, marking the day Jesus willingly suffered to atone for the sins of the world, providing a path to reconciliation with God. 

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. Symbolically, Christians wait at the tomb in which Jesus was buried, meditating on his Passion, Death and anticipating The Resurrection.

Historically, it was a day of silence and mourning, with no Mass, until we are led into the Easter Vigil Mass. The Vigil is a powerful night service marking Christ’s resurrection with new fire, baptisms, and hymns, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light. 

Holy Week invites contemplation and renewal. It is the time, each year, that we draw closer to God, with an increased passion for faith, hope and love. Take some time to place yourself in each day of Holy Week and let the moment drive your reflection on where you are and where you want to be in your spiritual life.

Next week we reflect on The Resurrection of Jesus. Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week…