PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: info@ArmenianOrthodoxChurch.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

"HUMILITY AND LOVE ARE THE TWO PILLARS OF CHRISTIANITY",
SAID ARAM I DURING THE CEREMONY REMEMBERING JESUS WASHING OF THE FEET OF THE
DISCIPLES

On Thursday the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was packed with
faithful who had come to live the sufferings of Jesus before Crucifixion.
After Matins, Divine Liturgy marking the institution of Holy Eucharist was
celebrated, and many people partook in the Eucharist on this very special
day in Christian life.

In the afternoon, after reading Holy Scriptures, His Holiness Aram I
performed the service of Washing of the Feet, in memory of Christ washing
the feet of his disciples. The Catholicos washed the feet of 12 seminary
students and anointed them. In his sermon His Holiness said, "Jesus, by
washing the feet of his disciples, he conveyed to them the two most
important ideals in Christian life that every believer should seek to
attain: humility and love." He then added: "one needs courage and commitment
to translate these ideals into daily life. As Christians, we have no choice
but to practice them and set the example for others." After the sermon, the
people took home with them the blessed oil.

In the evening the church celebrated the vigil khavaroum, in memory of last
sleepless night of Jesus. During the vigil the priests read seven sections
from the Holy Scriptures describing the life of Jesus up to his betrayal.
According to tradition, at the end of each Scriptural reading people tie a
knot on a strong, and in the end of the seventh knot they wear the string on
their wrists until Ascension Day.

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View the photos here:
c/Photos/Photos465.htm
http://www.ArmenianOrthodox Church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos466.htm
http://www .ArmenianOrthodoxChurch.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos4 67.htm
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.