On Holy Thursday, April 5, the major services of Holy Week began in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia.
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. - Armenian Church Press Service
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