Bishop Hovakim Leads Washing of the Feet Service in Manchester

Manchester, 2 April 2026 — Bishop Hovakim Manukyan presided over the Service of the Washing of the Feet at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester.

Gathering in prayer on this sacred evening of Holy Week, the faithful took part in Gospel readings and special prayers. During the service, Bishop Hovakim blessed the water and oil, and then washed the feet of members of the congregation, recalling Christ’s act of humility in the Upper Room.

In his message, the Bishop reminded those present that this moment is not only a remembrance of the past, but a living mystery that speaks to our lives today. Drawing on the teaching of Sophrony the Athonite, he reflected that humility lies at the heart of divine love: “Christ does not lose His glory by kneeling — He reveals it.”

Referring to Friedrich Nietzsche and C. S. Lewis, he gently cautioned against the dangers of pride and the spiritual confusion of our times.

Concluding, Bishop Hovakim encouraged all present to follow Christ’s example — to live with humility, to serve one another, and to grow in self-giving love as they continue their journey through Holy Week toward the joy of the Resurrection.