Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

At 10:30 a.m., on Maudy Thursday, the Primate presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, California. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Zareh Mansuryan. Maundy Thursday is commemorated as the Holy Day of our Lord Jesus Christ's Last Supper and the establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Primate read the sermon of St. Barsegh Kesaratsi before offering Holy Communion.

Over 800 faithful gathered at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011, to participate in the day's ceremonies. Following the readings of prayers and the Gospel, His Eminence blessed the oil and water with the Holy Cross.

At 6:00 p.m., His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the washing of the feet ceremony. Twelve youngsters dressed in blue robes sat attentively during the church service besides the Holy Altar during the special evening service.

The Primate was assisted by Diocesan clergy Rev. Fr. Zareh Manuryan, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and deacons who helped conduct the day's religious rite. A great number of faithful brought forth their children whom were kindly received by His Eminence at the Holy Altar for the performance of the washing of the feet ceremony.

The washing of the feet is associated with the liturgy of Maundy Thursday, the day that celebrates the Last Supper of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, before which He washed the feet of His Twelve Apostles.