Patriarch Kirill washes feet

Couldn't think of a good title, but the post is interesting. Byzantine, Texas links to an article describing Patriarch Kirill of Moscow performing the rite of the washing of the feet at the conclusion of the (Orthodox) Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow.

“In our tumultuous and troubled times, when man is susceptible to various afflictions and temptations,” the Patriarch continued, “we must especially come running to Christ’s Chalice and reverently eat of the Body and Blood of the Savior for our salvation.” Today’s celebration, in the words of the Patriarch, is an invitation for us to live an active liturgical life, not as observers, but as participants...

The Patriarch then related that, in performing the rite of the washing of the feet, he had “performed an action prescribed for us by our Holy Fathers.”

“In imitation of the Savior, the Patriarch today washed the feet of priests who symbolized the twelve Apostles,” said His All-Holiness, emphasizing that this rite helps us to understand the depths of the humility of Christ, Who became man in order to save us.

Read the whole thing.

Christ is risen!

He is risen, indeed!


We just returned from visiting family in Montgomery, Alabama. For this trip, we flew in and out of Birmingham, which is about 1.5 hrs north. Perhaps next time we'll be able to make a pilgrimage to EWTN and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Up until this year, our Easter experience had always involved the magnificent Easter Vigil on Saturday night. This year, however, we went in the morning -- my wife and I going to the Catholic church near my family's home, and my family, of course, going to their Baptist church down the street. But we reunited afterward for the requisite Easter feast! The local Catholic church was quite diverse, and we felt quite comfortable there. The liturgy was done very well, and of course, the Mass was awesome as it always is.

We explored the countryside a bit and a lot more of the city.