Christians across the country yesterday joined other faithful around the world to mark the feast of “Passion Sunday”, also known as “Palm Sunday” with a call on Nigerians to embrace peace.
Unlike in the past, some of the processions in this year were held around church premises to enhance the safety of worshippers.
Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday, according to the teachings of the church, marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the climax of the Lenten season.
It is a commemoration of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, in preparation for his suffering and death on the cross.
The event is marked with processions by both the clergy and the congregation, seen carrying palm fronts amid praises and songs.
Special church services were held with faithful participating in the traditional processions, carrying palm fronts and chanting hymns, to mark the day.
Head, Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Rivers State, His Eminence, Senior Apostle Victro Sunday Woluchem said the period was necessary for sober reflection and prayers for the peace and sustenance of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the Palm Sunday service in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Woluchem that the country needed perfect peace and tranquillity as a vehicle to drive the people into the next level of democratic transformation in all sectors, pointing out that no meaningful progress would be made in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.
In his sermon, Victor Ahiauzu enjoined members of the church to showcase the benefits of the Lenten season, and its significance in their daily lives both individually and collectively.
Ahiauzu added that Christians used the period of Lent to fast and pray, which according to him is an integral part of Christian faith, describing Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith.
The service attracted members from Oyigbo, Oroworukwo, Nkporlu, Elibrada, among other branches of the church in Rivers State.
Also, in Catholic and Anglican churches across the state, special services were held, with Christians seen carrying palm fronts and chanting hymns and praises to mark the day.
Elsewhere at St. Peter-Clavers Chaplaincy, University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Giri, the faithful were seen in processions before moving to the church hall for service.
In his sermon, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Augustus Essien, advised Christians to imbibe humility, selflessness, peace and love for neighbours, as exhibited by Jesus Christ in his passion and death.
He said Jesus Christ’s passion and death on the cross was a perfect example of God’s love for man in spite of man’s stubbornness and disobedience to his commandments.
He urged Christians to always be guided by peace, “which is the true lesson of Jesus passion and death on the cross”, noting that Nigeria was in dire need of peace.
At the St. Charles Lwanga Parish Apo, Abuja, Christians moved a few metres around the church premises and back into the church hall for the service.
In his sermon, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Onuma, urged Christians especially those in positions of authority to be selfless in their service to the nation.
He said that the message of “Passion Sunday” was sacrifice, selflessness and endurance, which Christ exhibited for the redemption of mankind.
“God has called you to be an instrument of liberation for the needy, step out of your comfort zone and save others.
“I know it is not an easy task, but if you are determined to do it, God will give you the grace and strength to accomplish it,” he said.
At Christ the King Catholic Parish, Kubwa, Abuja, the situation was the same as faithful were seen gathered at the entrance of the church with traditional attire to mark the event.
The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Daniel Bot, told Christians to reflect on the teachings of Easter, particularly the lessons of Christ’s passion.
Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 21, Bot said that Christ taught his followers to exhibit humility in all their endeavours.
He said that Jesus Christ as King of the Jews chose to ride on a donkey rather than a horse like his contemporaries did during His time.
“The entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolised his humility and simplicity as a King and this is what all Christians are urged to exhibit in their various callings,” he said.
He said that though it was often difficult for one, especially those in high places, to sacrifice their comfort for others, such service was necessary for the work of salvation to be completed.
Bot said that Easter was very important in the lives of Christians, noting that without Christ’s submission to the will of God, the plan of man’s salvation would have been incomplete.
At the St Matthews Anglican Church, Gwarimpa, the Vicar, Canon Ephraim Akanya, in his sermon, also urged Christians to be sober in their reflections during the holy week.
Akanya said that the biggest message of Passion Sunday was that of peace, adding that laying of palm branches on the streets for Christ to ride signified peace.
He said that in spite of the suffering that Christ went through, he still called on his people to follow the path of peace, righteousness and sacrifice.
Also in Abuja, an Anglican cleric, Rev Samuel Akale, has urged Christians to offer selfless service to God and country as a symbol of their dedication to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Akale, who is the Vicar of St Luke’s Church, Kado, gave the admonition at a service to celebrate Palm Sunday.
He cited the Gospel account of how Jesus sent his disciples to get a colt, tied to a tree, for his triumphal entry, saying it signifies lessons in obedience and chastity.
On chastity, he said: “the donkey that Jesus sat on, no man ever sat on it.”
Akale told the congregation that Palm Sunday reminded Christians worldwide of the story of Jesus Christ’s entrance to Jerusalem before his passion and crucifixion.
Earlier, the congregation had marched through the streets clutching tiny palm fronds shaped like crosses.
The clergy wore red vestments, symbolising bloodshed by the crucified Jesus.
The Holy Week culminates April 20 with Easter Sunday.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Gregory Fadele, has urged Christians use the holy week to pray for peace and security in Nigeria.
Fadele made the appeal in his sermon at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta.
He urged Christians to emulate Christ by upholding His teachings on love and sacrifice.
He added that the Holy Week was a time for prayer, reflection and spiritual works.
The priest said that Christians should use the holy week to reshape their life style and shun every act unpleasant to Christ and the church.
In Lagos, a Catholic cleric, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, urged Christians to live in peace and humble lives as taught by Jesus Christ’s symbolic entry into Jerusalem.
Osu, the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, made the appeal while delivering a sermon at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Lekki, Lagos.
The cleric said Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace and not a war-waging king.
He urged Christians to always conduct themselves peacefully as Christ’s followers.
Also speaking, the General Overseer of the Restoration Church, Pastor Joseph Okhiria-Abraham, urged leaders in the country to emulate Jesus Christ’s teachings of service and humility.
“Jesus showed humility even unto death for the benefit of humanity, not minding he was mocked and shamed, he still asked God to forgive those who tortured him,” Okhiria-Abraham said.
He said that the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, which led to the festival of Easter, showed that when Nigerians believed in Him, they would be victorious no matter the obstacles.