The Opening of the Portals Ceremony in Antelias at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias

On the evening of Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Opening of the Portals ceremony was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian conducted the ceremony and delivered the Sermon.

The Archbishop explained that Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a significant time for the church. The hymn “Open to us the door of Your mercy, O Lord…” resonated from the Holy Altar, symbolizing the coming of Christ as the righteous Judge at the end of the world.

He highlighted that Christ’s entry into Jerusalem was not only a local event but also an international one, as pilgrims from around the world gathered for the Jewish Passover. This event served as a public manifestation of Christ and His message to spread His teachings to all nations.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian reminded the faithful that the portals opened during Holy Week represent the portals of the kingdom of heaven, inviting all who follow the Savior to enter, as Jesus declared, “I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9)…

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This news was originally published on the website of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon, click here to read more.