The ceremony reminds participants that they should begin their Lenten penance in a humble spirit. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, members attend an evening service on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This Sunday is sometimes called Forgiveness Sunday because at the end of the service worshipers ask the priest and one another for forgiveness for their sins. Lent officially begins in the Eastern Orthodox Churches on the next day, called Pure Monday. Holy Week is the final week of Lent.
Some churches hold special services every day of the week.
Holy Week recalls the events leading to Jesus's death and Resurrection. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. It celebrates the story of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people spread palm branches and clothing before Him. During Palm Sunday services, many churches distribute cut palm leaves, sometimes woven into the shape of a cross. Greek Orthodox Christians receive branches of fragrant bay leaves.