Palm Sunday Procession of the Cross: Drawn by Love, Carried by the Kingdom

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” — John 12:32, NKJV

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen. May the blessing of the Father who calls us and His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ who saves us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies and transforms us be with us all, that we may hear His word and bear fruit—thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Amen.

Beloved in Christ, today is no ordinary Sunday. Today, Heaven and Earth process together, as the King enters—not to be enthroned on gold, but to reign from the wood of the Cross. The Palm Sunday Procession, known in our Church as Dorat Bakar, is a sacred walk through the mystery of the Kingdom, the saints, and the Church—anchored in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Kingdom Is Near

Throughout the twelve Gospel readings of the procession, the word “Kingdom” echoes like a sacred refrain. It is read at every icon, proclaimed before every sacred image—because the One we welcome today is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the King of kings, whose Kingdom is not of this world.

  • You are the King of Israel” – in front of the Main Sanctuary.
  • “He has brought down the mighty and exalted the humble” – before the icon of the Theotokos.
  • “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever” – before Archangel Gabriel.
  • “The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field” – before Archangel Michael.
  • “The Kingdom of God has drawn near to you” – before St. Mark the Evangelist.
  • “Until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom” – before St. Anthony the Great.

These aren’t just poetic verses—they are a declaration of divine reality. The Cross, which once symbolized shame, has become the royal scepter of the Messiah.

Three Pillars of the Cross

The readings can be grouped into three sacred pillars that reveal the full power of the Cross:

1. The Father’s Love and the Mystery of the Incarnation

The first four Gospels are placed before icons of the Father, the Virgin, and the archangels. Here we see the divine plan of salvation unfolding:

  • The Father sent His Son out of love (John 3:16).
  • The Virgin said “yes” and became the Theotokos.
  • Archangel Gabriel announced the Word made flesh.
  • Archangel Michael rolled the stone to proclaim the Resurrection.

This is the Cross anchored in divine love—planned from eternity, revealed in time.

2. The Cloud of Witnesses – The Saints of the Cross

Next, we turn to the saints—St. Mark, the apostles, St. George, and St. Anthony.

These are not just icons; they are icons of victory. Each saint lived and died by the power of the Cross, and their lives teach us how to walk the way of the Lamb. They remind us:

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11)

We are not alone. Their prayers uphold us. Their footsteps guide us.

3. The Church and the Mysteries – The Womb of Salvation

The final four readings take place at the church doors, the Baptismal font (Laqqan), and the icons of the sacraments.

  • The Church is the place where we enter the Kingdom.
  • The sacraments are how we touch the power of the Cross.
  • The Laqqan, the Baptismal waters, the Eucharist—all flow from Christ’s side, pierced for our salvation.

Through these, we are lifted to the heavens, transformed into olive trees bearing fruit in the house of God.

The Gospel of the Cross: Twelve Facets of One Love

Each of the twelve readings unveils a different face of the Cross:

  1. The Call to Follow – “Follow Me.” (John 1:43)
  2. The Call to Serve – Mary arose quickly to help (Luke 1:39)
  3. The Joy of the Good News – “You will bear a Son, Jesus.” (Luke 1:31)
  4. The Hidden Treasure – “He sold all to gain it.” (Matthew 13:44)
  5. The Kingdom Has Come – “The Kingdom is near.” (Luke 10:9)
  6. Authority over Evil – “He gave them power over unclean spirits.” (Matthew 10:1)
  7. A Testimony Before Kings – “I will give you a mouth and wisdom.” (Luke 21:12–15)
  8. Daily Self-Denial – “Take up your cross.” (Matthew 16:24–27)
  9. Strive for the Narrow Gate – “Many who are last will be first.” (Luke 13:24–30)
  10. Our Sonship in Christ – “This is My beloved Son.” (Matthew 3:17)
  11. The King Comes Gently – “Behold, your King comes lowly.” (Matthew 21:5)
  12. The Judgment of Rejection – “We played the flute… you did not dance.” (Luke 7:32)

The Cross is not just suffering—it is invitation, identity, power, calling, and love.

A Final Word: Drawn by Love, Lifted by the Cross

In this sacred procession, we are not merely walking in circles. We are walking toward the Cross, toward the heart of the Kingdom, held up by:

  • The love of the Father,
  • The faith of the saints,
  • The power of the sacraments,
  • And the joy of the Gospel.

Let us follow the Crucified King with palms and hearts that burn with holy longing.

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. 

May the Lord bless us, transform our hearts and minds, that our homes may stand on the Rock, our hands serve in the harvest, and our hearts long for Heaven. Amen.