Orthodox Christians across Uganda joyfully marked Palm Sunday on April 13th, 2025, which this year coincided with celebrations in the Western Church.
The faithful gathered in parishes across the country, waving palm branches and chanting hymns that recall Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The day’s significance was deeply felt at sunset hours with the Bridegroom service marking the start of the Holy Week.
Palm Sunday celebrations across Uganda
Metropolitan Jeronymos of Kampala celebrated the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy at St. Catherine Monastery in Kiyindi, while at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Namungoona, Fr. Stelios Kasule led the faithful in a joyful Palm Sunday liturgy.
With the blessing of Metropolitan Jeronymos, Metropolitan Innocentios of Sozusa visited the Rubaare community in Ntungamo District and celebrated the feast there.
He announced he would remain with the faithful there until the celebration of Pascha.
Palm Sunday in Diocese of Gulu and Northern Uganda
In the Gulu Diocese, Bishop Nektarios encouraged believers to go beyond waving branches. “Open your hearts,” he said, “and let Christ triumphantly enter and purify them.” He celebrated the Liturgy at St. Catherine – Acholi Nyek parish in Omoro district.
Palm Sunday in Jinja and Holy Monday
Meanwhile, in Jinja City, Fr. Chrysostomos Koolya, Vicar General, led the celebration at Holy Resurrection Cathedral in the Holy Diocese of Jinja and Eastern Uganda
He called the faithful to remain on the side of those who cried “Hosanna!”
“Do not become those who later shouted ‘Crucify Him!’” he warned.
”Christ chose to suffer for us. We must live the faith, not just profess it.”
As the sun set, churches began the Bridegroom Matins, marking the shift into Holy Week. Church decorations changed from festive brightness to the somber tones of the Passion. On Holy Monday, the Church remembers the withered fig tree and Joseph the All-comely.
At Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Bishop Silvester Kisitu reflected on the cursed fig tree.
He asked, “Are we like that tree—appealing outwardly, but without fruit?”
He warned against hollow celebrations and called for genuine, fruitful Christian living.
“Many around the world waved branches today,” he said.
“But do our actions match our praise? Are we ready to live what Christ expects of us?”
He urged believers to be faithful not just on feast days, but every day.
It prepares the heart for the events of Holy Week and the radiant joy of Pascha.
One of its most profound hymns, the Apolytikion, stirs the soul:
Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night,
Blessed is the one He finds vigilant.
Unworthy is the one He finds sleeping.
O my soul, beware of slumber!
Lest you be shut out from the Kingdom.
Cry aloud: “Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God,
Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.”
As Holy Week unfolds, the faithful are called not just to remember but to live the mystery of Christ’s Passion, with humility, watchfulness, and a heart ready to receive Him.