An agape feast or lovefeast is a term used for various communal meals shared among Christians. The name comes from the Greek word ἀγάπη (agape), which implies love in the sense of brotherly or familial affection.
Fresco of a banquet at a tomb in the Catacomb of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Via Labicana, Rome.
A Moravian diener serves bread to fellow members of her congregation during the celebration of a lovefeast at Bethania Moravian Church in North Carolina.
Moravian dieners serve bread to fellow members of their congregation during the celebration of the lovefeast at Bethania Moravian Church in North Carolina.
Traditional Love Feast among the Schwarzenau Brethren, 1883.
Maundy, or Washing of the Saints' Feet, Washing of the Feet, or Pedelavium or Pedilavium, is a religious rite observed by various Christian denominations. The word mandatum is the first word of the Latin Biblical quotation sung at the ceremony of the washing of the feet: "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos", from the text of John 13:34 in the Vulgate. The ceremony commemorates the commandment of Christ that his disciples should emulate his loving humility in the washing of the feet. The medieval Latin term mandatum, came to apply to the rite of foot-washing on the Thursday preceding Easter Sunday, known in English as "Maundy Thursday" since at least 1530.
Christ Reasoning with Peter, by Giotto di Bondone (Cappella Scrovegni a Padova)
Feet washing 2024 (Bulacan)
John V of Portugal performs the Washing of the Feet rite in Ribeira Palace, 1748.