The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, on March 29, celebrated the feast of Palm Sunday, which, with the blessing of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has been declared the day of the blessing of children.  

Under the guidance and authority of Catholicos Karekin II, a special ceremony was held for the blessing of children.

Karekin II distributed his blessing to the many children gathered in the Mother See, presenting them with crosses, and the faithful were distributed willow branches blessed during the Andastan (blessing of the four corners of the earth) ceremony.

The Andastan ceremony is performed on major feast days—including Palm Sunday, the Presentation of the Lord, and Exaltation of the Holy Cross—to bless the earth, crops, and world, praying for peace and prosperity.