Dear brothers and sisters!

Today, the Holy Orthodox Church celebrates one of the brightest and at the same time one of the most tragic of the Twelve Feasts — the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday.

Joy and hidden pain, the people's jubilation and the inner knowledge of the Saviour, Who is voluntarily heading towards suffering, are combined in this day.

'Hosanna!' the crowd is shouting when meeting Christ. People are covering His path with branches and clothes and greeting Him as a King, as the one Who is to free them from troubles and bring back power, order, and justice.

They are waiting for a victor. But they are meeting a Saviour.

Christ enters Jerusalem meekly, on a donkey — an ancient symbol of peace, not strength. He does not bring people political liberation. He comes to liberate man from sin.

But that is not what the crowd is waiting for.

People want a convenient king. One who will settle their problems without demanding a change of heart. One who will give an outer victory without urging for an inner feat. And that is why a future tragedy is already concealed in this triumph.

The same mouths that are shouting, 'Hosanna!' today will be demanding, 'Crucify Him!' in a few days. Such is the nature of human fame — it is as variable as the wind.

But Christ goes on. He sees not only the exaltation of today, but also both shouts of hatred and a betrayal and the Cross. And He still goes — for the sake of the salvation of the dying mankind.

This Gospel image is repeated in our lives with worrying accuracy as well.

Today, the world also seeks not the Saviour but one who will promise a quick solution of all problems. People are again ready to believe in a strong leader, in simple answers and easy paths — only without changing themselves.

But the Holy Scripture clearly warns, 'Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.' History shows again and again: when man seeks salvation not in God but in earthly expectations, it leads not to liberation but to new suffering.

And this is realised particularly acutely today, when our long-suffering land is going through difficult trials, and the cost of mistakes, illusions, and false hopes is measured in human lives and total devastation.

The Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem asks each of us the main question: where am I in this event? Am I among those who are rejoicing as long as it is convenient? Am I among those who will turn away tomorrow? Or am I among those who will remain with Christ till the end — both by the Cross and by the Tomb and by the Resurrection?

The Passion Week is ahead of us. The most profound and sacred days of the year.

Let us try to live them not outwardly but inwardly — together with Christ. Not in the crowd but in the quietness of heart. So as not just to reach Pascha but to become capable of containing it by our hearts.

Happy feast, dear brothers and sisters!

I wish all of us peace, spiritual vigil, and strong faith.