Maundy Thursday is among the most poignant days of Holy Week, commemorating the final days of the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ with various services rich in symbolism.
On the morning of Thursday, April 17, 2014, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Prelacy Churches commemorating the sacrament of the Eucharist instituted by Jesus at The Last Supper. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, joined the parish community of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood on this occasion.
In the afternoon the Washing of the Feet ceremony was held, in the example of our Lord Jesus Christ washing the feet of His disciples at The Last Supper. This year’s service was unique in that withing Prelacy Churches, the feet of twelve elders were washed first in honor of the “Year of the Elder” proclamation of His Holiness Aram I, followed by the washing of the children’s feet.
The Prelate conducted the ceremony at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino where he washed the feet of twelve church elders, among them former Executive Council members, Delegates, Board of Trustees members, sponsors, and parishioners, and then the feet of the children, Sunday School students and children of faithful parishioners.
His Eminence addressed the faithful, highlighting the supreme message and value of love and humility conveyed by Jesus through the act of washing the feet of His disciples, and stressing the importance of these virtues in our daily lives and in our service to others. In conclusion, the Prelate blessed and commended the elders, and reminded them that they are to be influences upon the younger generations through their example of love and humility.