The Orthodox Patriarch plays the pivitol role in the traditional and ancient ceremony of 'Foot Washing' that takes place on Holy Thursday in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. The courtyard and rooftop areas above are jammed with devout Christians or curious onlookers who have spent many hours holding a place there from early morning, in order to be part of that marelous service. The ceremony has its origins in the 'Last Supper' in the upper room. There Jesus demonstrated the need for the disciples to be servants to the needs of others as He set the example by washing the feet of the disciples following the breaking of bread. It was at the 'Last Supper' that He instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, one of the chief means by which believers receive abundant Grace that slowly transforms them through faith, into the likeness of Christ. These two things took place on 'Maundy Thursday'. The word 'Maundy' comes from the Latin word "mandatum" which means 'command'. In essence, Maunday Thursday is a commemoration also of our Christian duty to serve others.
The Orthodox Foot Washing Ceremony, Thursday, April 16th, 1987.
The Orthodox Patriarch washes the feet of fellow Orthodox clergy in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.
Orthodox Foot Washing Ceremony, Holy Thursday, April 16th, 1987.
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