April 18, 2014
Wayne, WV: Bishop George leads Divine Services for Great Thursday in Holy Cross Monastery

On April 17, Great and Holy Thursday, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield celebrated the Vesperal Liturgy in the main church of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV. His Grace was co-served by the dean, Hieromonk Alexander (Frizzell), and monastery clergy.

After the Prayer behind the Ambo, Bishop George performed the washing of the feet. The rite has the Hierarch, emulating Christ, Who washed the feet of His disciples at the Mystical Supper, wash the feet of the clergy serving in church. During the reading of the glad tidings of the Gospel by the hierodeacon, His Grace removed the signs of his Hierarchal rank: his omophorion, panagia, and sakkos, after which he girded himself with a towel and washed the feet of twelve hieromonks and monks in order. The rite symbolizes great humility and servitude before the people.

That evening, Bishop George led Great Friday Matins with the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, co-served by monastery clergy.

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Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese