Valley Forge, PA – As the palms began to take shape, students and teachers joined in singing the song of “Hosanna”. “Hosanna” was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Today it has been made into a song of praise, often sung in the Orthodox church.
Strips of Palm/Fronds buds were distributed on long tables and hands went to work, creating the symbol for which many of associate with this historic day. A palm cross is made from a palm bud and is called a frond. The fronds are knotted and or woven into small crosses.
For St. Sophia Greek Orthodox church, It was also a song of union and tradition, one that has been shared for more than a generation says Sunday school teacher Maria Tsipras. On this day, the youth of this congregation gathered to carry on this custom of Palm Sunday.