Can you provide a summary of Father Elijah Iskander's sermon on the spiritual significance of the donkey (colt) in Palm Sunday, which he gave in Sydney and is often found on platforms like Upper Room Media or YouTube?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Father Elijah Iskander from the Diocese of Sydney often speaks on the spiritual significance of the donkey and colt in Palm Sunday, with his sermons often found on platforms like Upper Room Media.

In his reflection, Father Elijah draws from the deep well of Patristic and Coptic tradition to explain the spiritual significance of the donkey and the colt upon which our Lord sat.

Key Theological Points of the Sermon:

1. The Donkey and the Colt as the Two Peoples

Consistent with the teachings of the Church Fathers like Saint Ambrose and Saint Jerome, Father Elijah explains that the donkey (the older animal) represents the Jewish people who were under the "yoke" of the Law. The colt, which was "untie[d]" and "on which no one has ever sat," represents the Gentile world—those who were wild, undisciplined, and had not yet been "ridden" or guided by the Word of God.

2. "The Lord Has Need of Them"

Father Elijah emphasizes the humility of our Lord. Although He is the Creator of all, He "had need" of a lowly animal. This is a lesson for every servant: God does not need our greatness; He chooses to use our availability. Just as the donkey carried the King of Glory into Jerusalem, we are called to carry Christ into our world today.

3. The Act of Loosing

He reflects on the command to "loose them and bring them to Me." This is a beautiful image of the work of the Church and the priesthood. The world is tied down by sin and worldly attachments, but Christ sends His disciples to "untie" us so that we may be brought to Him and serve His triumphal entry into our hearts.

4. Humility Over Horseback

He contrasts the Roman conquerors, who entered cities on majestic horses (symbols of war and pride), with Christ who entered on a donkey (a symbol of peace and humility). This serves as a direct rebuke to those who seek worldly power or vanity, reminding us that the True King wins victory through the Cross.

If you are looking for the specific video, it is typically titled under "Palm Sunday" or "The Entry into Jerusalem" within the archives of Saint Paul’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Sydney or Upper Room Media playlists.

Hosanna in the highest.