On April 16, 2020, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II celebrated the service of the washing of the feet at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral in Bab Touma, Damascus.

During this service, His Holiness called twelve seminarians from Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, representing the twelve Apostles and washed their feet following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ Who washed the feet of His disciples. It is a lesson in humility where we learn how serving others is greater than being served.

The service was attended by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, and Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for the Affairs of Monks and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya.

At the end of the service, His Eminence Mor Yacoub Babawi gave a sermon, in which he spoke about the personality of Judas Iscariot who, like Adam, followed the advice of the evil one and left God. He also showed that Judas resembled Pharaoh who chose death over life. His Eminence explained how Judas used the kiss, which is a symbol of love, to fulfill an evil deed, namely treason. He emphasized the Lord Jesus continuously tried to win Judas and to warn him, trying to bring him back to the flock and to the disciples. His Eminence also spoke about the love of money and greed that led Judas to act as he did and to deliver the Lord Jesus Christ to the Jews who crucified Him.