On April 17, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate Palm Sunday or the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem.. According to the Gospel, on this day Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem greeted him with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna!

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Holiday traditions.

Since palm trees do not grow in Ukraine, their branches have been replaced in our country with willow. According to tradition, such branches are consecrated in the church..

It is believed that the consecrated willow branches protect the house from diseases, poverty, fires, floods and other misfortunes.. It is customary to keep them in the house for a year, until the next Palm Sunday..

It is also customary to jokingly beat children with willow twigs and say, “I don’t b’yu, willow b’e. For tyzhden - Great day, not far away is a red egg "

Traditionally, young men and women fought on this day with willow twigs and said “Be great, like a willow, and healthy, like water, and rich, like earth.”!

Prayer on Palm Sunday.

Lord our God, strong and strong in battle, to help you, unworthy, we call and humbly pray: graciously forgive your hand and cover our country from war, timelessness and suffering.

We do not hope for our bow, and not our weapons will save us, but we implore for Your almighty help: preserve our Fatherland in peace, soften the hearts of hardened enemies with Your mercy, turn away their evil intentions, we pray to You, Great King, listen to us and have mercy.

Look from heaven, Lord, and do not let our enemies raise their sword and pull their bow to strike us - your poor servants, glorifying you in Orthodoxy.

Soon change our sorrow to joy, and trouble to solid peace. Do not allow the suffering of mothers and tears of children, and accept their prayers for us sinners and unnecessary as a fragrant censer before the Throne of Your Majesty, offering Ukraine our peace and tranquility.

We heartily pray to You, Merciful Benefactor, listen to us and have mercy. Amen.