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THE SERVICE OF THE SACRED WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES’ FEET AT THE PATRIARCHATE

On Thursday morning, April 3/16, 2020, the unique at the Orthodox Church Service of the washing of the Disciples’ feet took place at the Patriarchate.

According to the long-term tradition, the Patriarch of Jerusalem washes the feet of twelve Archimandrites, in commemoration of the event of the last Supper, when the Lord washed the feet of His Disciples, showing us the perfect way of humility.

The Service was held after the Divine Liturgy of Holy Thursday at St. James Cathedral, which was officiated by His Beatitude. Co-celebrants were their Eminences; Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, the Archbishops; Theodosios of Sebastia, Aristovoulos of Madaba and Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis. The chanting was delivered by Hierodeacon Simeon and Mr. Vasilios Gotsopoulos in Greek and Mr. Rimon Kamar in Arabic. Due to the safety precautions against the plague, the service did not take place at the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is the normal order, but at the courtyard of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen.

H.H.B. washed the feet of twelve Archimandrites, respectively imitating the Lord and the twelve Apostles, at the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem Mr. Christos Sophianopoulos.

At the end of the service the Patriarchal entourage went to the Reception Hall of the Patriarchate where His Beatitude wished a Happy Resurrection to all.  

From Secretariat-General