21 03 2008 - THE LITURGY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, THE WASHING OF THE FEET AND PRAYERS OF LAMENTATION IN ANTELIAS

ANTELIAS, Lebanon - 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.

Live television broadcast

LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST OF EASTER MASS VIA SATELLITE FROM ANTELIAS
MARCH 23rd, 2008

The Noursat Broadcast will be broadcasting LIVE via satellite the Holy Easter Mass celebrated by His Holiness Aram I, from St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, on Sunday 23 March 2008, beginning from 11:20 UTC/GMT.

You can watch Noursat live in Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North/South America, Far East and Australia. Check your local listings for broadcast dates and times in your area below. For more details on how to receive Noursat in your area, click here:
http://www.telelumiere.com/eng/connected.html

or follow the instructions below:
You can watch Noursat in Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North/South America, Far East and Australia 7 days a week, 24/24 hours on Hotbird 4, Echostar, Pas 9 and Pas 8.

Middle East, North Africa and Europe (HotBird 4):
Orbital Location: 13°E
Downlink Frequency: 10949
Downlink Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 27.5 M S/S
Fec: 3/4
961-1-254501/2/3

North America (Echostar):
Dish Network
USA: 1-800-984-3388
Canada: 1-514-636-3444

South America (Pas 9):
Multipole International
55-11-3079-5222

Far East, Australia & New Zealand (Pas 8):
World Media International
61-2-9747-1011

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