(CE:1258a-1258b)
HOSANNA, a Hebrew term signifying "Save us, we beseech Thee," which occurs in Psalm 118:25. During the Feast of the Tabernacles it formed part of the refrain sung by the people of Jerusalem while waving palms and olive branches. When Christ entered Jerusalem, the joyous multitudes saluted him with the words "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed be He Who comes in the name of the Lord" (Mt. 21:9, 15; Mk. 11:9-10, Jn. 12:13).
The term was incorporated into Christian worship at an early date, and appears in the post-Communion prayer in the DIDACHE: "Remember, Lord, Thy church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love. . . . Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David" (Teachings of the Twelve Apostles, 1951, p. 380). It is mentioned in the Constitutions of the Holy Apostles (1951, pp. 470, 490): "After the participation, give thanks in this manner: "We thank Thee, O God. . . . Let this Thy Kingdom come. Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord.'"
On Palm Sunday, Hosanna comes into prominence during the prayers of the evening and morning offerings of incense, the processional hymn, doxologies, and the Divine Liturgy.
ARCHBISHOP BASILIOS
