PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
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April 5, 2007
Washing of the Feet Service in Holy Etchmiadzin
On Holy Thursday, April 5, the major services of Holy Week began in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following Morning Services, a solemn Divine
Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral by Rev. Fr. Hovhannes
Mayilian, in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Last Supper and the
establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
In the afternoon, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians offered the Washing of the Feet service, which commemorates
the act of great humility by Jesus Christ in washing the feet of his
disciples.
As the service commenced, readings from the Holy Bible and the singing of
hymns prepared the men who were chosen to represent the twelve disciples, as
well as all of the faithful in attendance.
His Holiness then blessed the oil that is later distributed to the faithful,
which is taken home and combined with the oil used for cooking the Easter
meal. Afterwards, following the example of the Lord, the Catholicos of All
Armenians kneeled down before the twelve men and washed their feet and
anointed them with oil. This year, the men were selected from among the
bishops, priests, deacons and seminarians of Holy Etchmiadzin.