Christians across the country yesterday marked Palm Sunday with processions, a memorial on the Christian calendar that commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Despite heavy rains in some areas of the country, like in Accra and Ho, worshippers showed up at church with their palm fronds, ready to go on the ‘Hosanna’ procession, one of the important celebrations in the Christian calendar.
Carrying palm fronds and gingered up by music from brass bands, they re-enacted the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, singing different Hosanna songs.
Kumasi
From Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Gilbert Mawuli Agbey reports that the clergy and members of the St Paul-On-The-Hill Anglican Church, North Suntreso, led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Nana Akwasi Kessie, processed through some principal streets of North Suntreso in Kumasi.
Some elderly members of the congregation celebrating Palm Sunday on the premises of the Dela Congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ho
Processing through the community, with their brass band music, they attracted many of the residents who came out of their houses to cheer and wave at the church members as the procession passed.
Delivering the sermon, Venerable Francis Dwira urged Christians to offer support to the poor and the needy in society to deepen their solidarity with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as Jesus Christ died for the sake of mankind, he charged Christians to live exemplary lives in society to the glory of God, saying, “I urge you to remain faithful to our crucified Lord at all times”.
Further, he advised Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ, such as humility, love and compassion for their neighbours, and also admonished them against lording over others due to their social status.
Rain
From Ho-Kpodzi in the Volta Region, Alberto Mario Noretti reports that unfavourable weather conditions affected the usual zeal, enthusiasm and street processions which accompany the Palm Sunday celebrations.
A cross-section of the children and youth from the Kaneshie Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on their Hosanna procession
A six-hour heavy downpour the night before, followed by hazy and threatening clouds the next morning (Sunday), compelled the elderly at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), Dela Cathedral at Ho-Kpodzi to confine their merry making, amid songs and praises, to the premises of the cathedral.
The young ones, however, defied the blurred weather to take part in a rather short procession on the streets.
Later, in a sermon, the Men’s Fellowship Desk Officer of EPCG, Rev. Dr Abraham Akoto, reminded Christians that Palm Sunday signified victory after long sufferings, endurance and humility.
“Christ went through all that to teach us that there was victory for us, ahead of every difficult situation,” he added.
Cape Coast
From Cape Coast in the Central Region, Shirley Asiedu-Addo and Joana Kumi report that churches in Cape Coast held services to mark Palm Sunday and the triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Delivering the sermon at the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Congregation, at Brafoyaw in Cape Coast, Rev. Fr. Raymond Chegedua Tangonyire, called on Christians to remain humble and obedient to God, even in the face of suffering and betrayal.
Before the Holy Mass, worshippers gathered at a designated point carrying palm branches and processing together into the church to mark Palm Sunday.
However, the early rains affected the procession, which is usually conducted along a longer route. Yesterday, it instead took place at a point directly in front of the church before entering the sanctuary.
Rev. Fr. Tangonyire reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ, despite possessing divine power, demonstrated humility and obedience to God’s will and endured suffering without
complaint for the salvation of humanity.
He explained that the life Christ led served as a model for all believers, stressing that true followers of Christ should be prepared to face challenges, including betrayal and hardship, but should remain steadfast in their faith.
He said as followers of Christ, they should keep three important truths in mind: that Christ suffered, died, and resurrected, and that Christians should be ready to walk a similar path in their spiritual journey.
At the Castle City Church, Bishop Courage Ahedor said believers must build faith, trusting that God was able to take them through their troubles to safety and peace.
Accra
In Accra, the procession at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) Kaneshie Congregation was led by the Children’s Service and Junior Youth, who also used the event as an evangelism.
After going round the community, the children took the procession into the main auditorium of the church, where an adult service was taking place.
The adults joined in as they sang
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna” amid dancing.
The District Minister, Rev. Enoch Obuobi, while commending the young ones for defying the showers, reminded all about the significance of the occasion.
“It is not just for us to dance and be happy, but it is a reminder and a commemoration of Jesus Christ arriving at Jerusalem to lay down his life for our salvation,” he stated.
He used the occasion to pray for the children and youth.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh