PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: nian.htm
THE LITURGY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST,
THE WASHING OF THE FEET AND PRAYERS OF LAMENTATION IN ANTELIAS
The last week of the Great Lent, which marks the events in the final week of
Jesus Christ’s life on earth, includes some of the richest and most
educational legacies in the tradition of the Armenian Church. Good Thursday
in particular is marked by three consecutive services, including the Washing
of the Feet and the evening Vespers service.
A large number of the faithful participated in the Morning Service and the
Holy Liturgy held in the St. Gregory Cathedral, on March 20.
The ceremonious washing of the feet service was held in the afternoon by His
Holiness Aram I. Following Jesus Christ’s extreme humility, this service
invites people to become modest and tolerant of the other. The Catholicos
washed the feet of 12 Seminary students signifying the 12 Apostles. In his
Sermon, he particularly stressed the importance of a peaceful life based on
love and mutual respect- the kind of life, which is longed for by humanity.
"The challenges of present times, the oppositions between people, social
injustice and intolerance are the result of the lack of love. The unequaled
example of Jesus Christ’s love today comes to tell humanity that harmony,
the result of mutual love and respect, is the most natural and God-pleasing
way of life," the Pontiff said.
The faithful took back with them pieces of blessed butter so as to increase
God’s good deeds and blessings in their homes.
Starting from 7 o’clock in the evening and until late at night, the
Catholicosate was once again filled a large crowd of the faithful, young
faithful in general, who attended the mystical service. V. Rev. Fr. Norayr
Ashekian delivered the Sermon highlighting the ultimate humbleness and
self-dedication of Jesus Christ.
The seven sections of the Gospel were read by Cilician Brotherhood members.
Following established tradition, during the service the faithful tied seven
knots on strings, which they will wear until "Ascension", carrying on their
hands the strength of the Church’s prayers.
The service concludes by the Pontiff, by the Blessing of the relic of the
Holy Cross. The faithful returned home late at night renewed by the legacy
of Good Thursday.
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View the photos here:
c/Photos/Photos218.htm
http://www.armenianorthodox church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos219.htm
http://www .armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos2 20.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.