Foot washing

The washing of the feet (Latin Mandatum ) is a ritual act that is intended to symbolize the hospitality of the Orient. The washing of feet is described in the New Testament as an act of Jesus to his disciples. From the words of Jesus novum do vobis Mandatum ( a new commandment I give to you ) has the rite its liturgical name.

The washing of the feet at the Last Supper

On the eve of his death on the cross Jesus washed during the Last Supper his disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that girded him. Through this example, he wanted to show that the disciples must be willing to serve one another. Only John the Evangelist describes the events (Jn 13.1 to 11 EU), which will be continued and developed through the farewell discourses of Jesus and his High Priestly prayer (John 13-17 EU). The Gospel of John does not mention the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Peter wanted from the feet of Jesus not initially Wash, let it happen but after it told him: "If I do not wash your feet, you have no part with me. "

Rite of the washing of feet in worship

In some churches, the rite of foot washing is practiced regularly.

• In the liturgy of the Catholic Church, the washing of the feet is provided in the celebration of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday. The celebrant of the Mass washes while twelve ( locally even less) previously determined believers feet; the rite is one of the sacramentals. In the diocese of Milan is practiced at the time of hl. Ambrose foot washing as part of the sacrament of baptism.
• In the Eastern Orthodox church, it is in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem custom that the Patriarch on the occasion of the Great Thursdays twelve priests washes the feet.
• Within the Protestant churches the washing of the feet at the Seventh- day Adventist Church, the Church of God and partly from the Mennonites practiced. The washing of feet is here in connection with the Lord's Supper ( introductory part ) instead. She is being treated Confession of 1632 in the Mennonite Dordrecht.