There is no sermon but the Reading of the Passion of Christ according to St. Mark by Presbyter (pastor or priest), Deacon, and congregation. The shift from the joyous procession of Palms in honor of Christ the King to the sober account of Jesus' suffering and death marks this first day of Holy Week. The litany of Palm Sunday (written by Dr. Zeile) and the 7th Century hymn of Theodolphus of Orleans (written while in prison on Palm Sunday) are included.