A few years ago I was in Armenia during the Holy week (Avakh Shapat) – the week that leads up to Easter. As I was staying in Etchmiadzin – the headquarters of the Armenian apostolic Church – I visited several celebrations in and around the Mother Cathedral.  Palm Sunday marks the start of this important season. It not only refers to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem but is also a celebration of spring and of blessing of the children. Willow branches are blessed and distributed – a somewhat hilarious and chaotic moment ;). The branches are folded into crowns that are proudly worn and photographed (see this blog post). As always there are many candles burnt in the various churches and I even witnessed the sacrifice of a chicken.

 Pictures are taken in Etchmiadzin Armenia on 17th april 2011