Willow instead of palm – Orthodox celebration on Sunday

It is a day of celebration for thousands of believers across Russia, as the Orthodox Church marks its equivalent of Palm Sunday.

Russia's unfavorable climate means willow twigs are used instead palms.

Willow Sunday is also known as the Entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and starts the final countdown to Easter.

At the center of celebrations in Russia is Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

This morning it was packed with believers who attended a Divine Liturgy, given by the head of the country's Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.