Even with the relatively severe winter experienced in our area this year, the pussy willows ripened early, so they were gathered and stored away a few weeks ago. As has been the tradition for many years, early on Lazarus Saturday, after the divine liturgy, Monk Innocent and his helpers, consisting mainly of seminarians and pilgrims, gathered in the Pilgrim Dining Hall to set up a workshop to arrange the pussy willows and palms for distribution. Some pilgrims come from New York City, especially to be able to take part in this.
After the polyleos, the willows are blessed by Vladyka Luke, who is officiating the Vigil at this point. They are subsequently handed out to the faithful along with a burning candle, during the veneration of the festal icon and the anointing by the bishop.
The Vigil is quite festive with joyous chanting in the spirit of the feast, which we know from the Gospel was a triumphant welcome of the Messiah into Jerusalem, after having resurrected Lazarus from the dead after four days. This despite what we know will happen during the following week. As the Gospel reads, those who at this time sing praises to the One Who enters the holy city, will eventually cry “Crucify Him." During the Hours before the Divine Liturgy, Caleb Short, a first year Mdiv student was tonsured a reader.
Thus began our Holy Week, full of anticipation of the commemoration of the Lord’s salvific Passion and Resurrection after three days among the dead.
