Washing of the Feet in Armenian Miniatures

Fr. Garabed Kochakian

Holy Thursday has yet another story about the washing of the disciples' feet, which took place during Christ’s final meal.

The narrative in the Gospel of Saint John focuses on this as John writes, After So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. [ John13:4-5]

  The twelve whom Christ invited to the Upper Room experienced the most humbling of God’s actions.  Out of love for them their Messiah, Jesus washed their feet.

  The Lord established this to be an example that they also should serve others like Jesus. This divine service of love called in Armenian Vodnl'va is celebrated in our Church as an extension of the morning Divine Liturgy on Holy Thursday and occurs in the early evening.

  The icon shows this sacred moment of Christ=God humbling Himself to perform a Judaic custom of cleansing. The Large figure of Christ, at the center of the scene towering over the twelve, emphasizes the depth of God's love to serve as Jesus kneels before them to wash their feet.

The liturgical service of Holy Thursday resonates with the worlds of our Lord . . .   Doing unto others as you would have them do unto yourself. [Matt. 7:12]

In taking a closer look at the image, the artist has placed the figures of Jesus and St. Peter at the center. Above their heads is a Hanging Lantern indicating the location was in the upper room. There is much animation taking place. The lamp is burning with light illuminating the room. The painter has used a gold background to tell us that with the Lord, the Kingdom of God is present, transforming the earth into heaven. The Light of Christ imbues not only the Apostles but all of us. 

  Even Judas is present because he has not yet left to betray Christ. Next, St. Peter, the first to have his feet washed, is sitting opposite Jesus and appears to be engaged in deep conversation with the Lord. The position of his hand seems to be displaying some reluctance. The artist has captured the gesture of St. Peter’s right hand, drawing attention to the conversation. We can almost hear their words as Simon Peter begins,

“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  (John 13:6-17)