Vigil of Palms

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4 days ago
3 min read

Saturday 4th April 2026 @ 7pm

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

The portals of Holy Week were opened by the Convent bells ringing out around Abbotsford, inviting the faithful to prayer, reflection, and hope for a much troubled world. The congregation sang glory to God as Metropolitan Raffaele led them in song with praise to the Lord.

Fr Matthew greeted the faithful as the celebrating presbyter and all sung solemnly the Kyriale and following Gloria. Reader Patrick read from St. Pauls letter to the Church in Phillipi - exhorting that joy should accompany prayer along with embodying virtues.

The Gospel procession was accompanied by the time honoured hymn - Alleluia, sing to Jesus. The words taken from St. John's Gospel were proclaimed by Fr. Matthew which canvased the raising of Lazarus and acclamation of Jesus as the Messiah via the people rejoicing in him with the waving of Palms whilst singing Hosanna.

As Metropolitan Raffaele sang the Byzantine hymns of the Feast of Palms, Fr. Matthew incensed the olive palms and sprinkled them with sanctified water - further praying over them as the ritual prescribes. The faithful were then invited to come forward and take of the palms whilst Hosanna to the Son of David was chanted.

Hence, the Great Entrance (Offertory of the gifts) were processed whilst the people raised their palms high and sang Osanna al figlio di Davide. The Holy Anaphora was offered at which the words of the Savior recalled his command of the Mystical Supper. The one Jesus loved most - the Theotokos (Mother Mary) was honoured with the Greeting prayer of Archangel Gabriel (Ave Maria) further venerated with incense and the classic hymn Mira il tuo popolo.

The Lord's prayer was billowed out by the faithful in song at which the clergy then prepared to commune. As the faithful were invited to Holy Communion, Metropolitan Raffaele offered a rendition of Pie Iesu fitting for Holy Week. The congregation then offered their own thanksgiving by warmly singing Credo in te Signore.

As the liturgy came to a close, Metropolitan Raffaele offered a few words of comfort. He reminded us that Christ was not recognised by the high and mighty, but by the low, the insignificant, the weak, the children who acclaimed him with the words Hoisanna- Save us.

He then told us a story of a vision of a mystic given by the Mother of God unfolded where a theologian, a bishop, a pope, and a patriarch died and went to the other side. When all three men individually approached the pearly gates, they were asked a question by the door keeper: "Do you know Christ?"

Each man boldly stated their position and how they taught, preached, and ministered in his Name! The door keeper told each of them : " sit to the side of this gate and wait till you are called again!"

A grandmother also died and was making her way to the pearly gates. She was illiterate, yet she tried her best, taught her kids and grandchildren how to be the best and do the best they could - always leading via example.

When the door keeper saw the grandmother coming towards the pearly gates, he went out to meet her and asked : " Nonna, do you know Christ?"

The grandmother did not hesitated and replied: "My Lord, who possibly in the world doesn't know who you are? "

Thus, his exhortation : Learn from me for I am meek and humble of Heart.