Washing of the Feet ceremony at the Holy Sepulchre

A Holy Thursday ceremony was held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as Catholics mark Holy Week in Jerusalem. The ceremony involved a foot-washing ritual that symbolizes Jesus' willingness to serve.

It was conducted by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The washing of feet is a religious rite practiced by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. The early Christian church introduced the custom to imitate the humility and selfless love of Jesus.

The practice of foot washing was originally an act of hospitality in Palestinian homes, performed for guests (who wore sandals and walked on dusty roads) by a servant or the wife of the host. 

The holiday this year comes as tourists are returning to the Holy Land following two years of disruption during the pandemic.