The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

NORTH Long Islanders assembled in droves to celebrate the Palm Sunday Liturgy in Grand Style at their respective churches.

Father Chester Burton, Rector of St Peter's Anglican Parish, along with members of his church, journeyed to the most northern church, St Mary Magdalene, in Glinton's settlement.

Newly inducted altar servers led the procession out of the church during the choir.

The Eucharistic celebration began with the solemn hymn of the church, "When I survey the wondrous Cross". Shortly after, the palms were blessed, sprinkled with holy water and distributed to the members assembled. The liturgy of the word included the reading of the Passion, recorded in the gospel of Matthew.

As the day led on, Father Burton also traveled to Thompson Bay to visit St Joseph's Church, where members assembled for an 11 am worship.

Members who were unable to attend both morning Masses, were given the opportunity to worship at the Parish Church of Holy Savior in the settlement of Millerton on Sunday evening.

In Father Burton's sermon, he reminded the congregation of the importance of holding on the tradition that takes Christian believers back to Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday.

He asserted that there are many themes that appear in the reading of the Passion, but firstly, commitment comes into view. He talked about how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to face imminent betrayal and death exemplifies commitment.

"We need not be slothful like the disciples who fell asleep when Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, but we need to be always ready to give a good statement of the faith and hope that has been placed in us by Jesus' life, death and resurrection," said Father Burton.