NIPTER

( Gr. In Latin, pediluvium .) The ceremony of washing feet . This is performed by the Greek Christians on Good Friday, in imitation of our Saviour , who on that day washed his disciples’ feet with his own hands. In the monasteries, the abbot represents our Saviour , and twelve of the monks the twelve apostles. Among these the steward and porter have always a place; the former acts the part of St. Peter, and imitates his refusal to let Jesus wash his feet; the latter personates the traitor Judas, and is loaded with scoffs and derision. The office used on this occasion is extant in the Euchologium .