Valley Forge, PA – The parishioners of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox church participated in a religious rite for the very first time, the washing of the feet. 12 members of the church, representing the twelve Apostles, sat and removed their shoes and sox at the altar of the church. Father Peter Thornberg then washed each individual’s feet.
The reenactment, is a religious rite observed by the Eastern Orthodox church. John 13:1-17 mentions Jesus performing this act. Specifically, in verses 13:14-17, He instructs them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”