Metr. Tikhon Reflects on Palm Sunday’s Joyful Paradox
Palm Sunday reveals that even in the shadow of the Cross, the Church already proclaims Christ’s victory over death.
SPRINGFIELD, VA — Metr. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) offered a Palm Sunday reflection emphasizing the joyful yet paradoxical nature of the Feast of Palms, which proclaims Christ’s victory even as He approaches His Passion.
Drawing on the festal troparion, Metr. Tikhon highlighted Christ’s raising of Lazarus as a confirmation of the universal resurrection. He noted that the faithful, like the children bearing palms, already celebrate Christ as the conqueror of death—an acknowledgment that frames the entire Holy Week journey in the light of Paschal victory.
He further stressed that Holy Week is not merely a historical remembrance, but an invitation to a living encounter with Christ’s saving work. Though accomplished through the Cross and revealed in the Resurrection, this work continues to transform hearts and lives. The Metropolitan encouraged the faithful to open themselves to this grace in the days ahead, approaching Holy Week as a time of personal renewal and spiritual participation in Christ’s triumph.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tikhon urged support for clergy retreats.
