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The term "sacred vestments" refers to the garments worn by clergy during holy services. Each rank of the clergy has its own specific vestments, as outlined below:
I. The Sacred Vestments of the Deacon:
a. The Sticharion: This is a white, usually long tunic that reaches down to the feet. It is worn by clergy of all ranks.
b. The Orarion: This is the distinctive vestment of the deacon. It is a long ribbon that wraps around the body, reminding the deacon of his sacred mission.
c. The Epimanika (Cuffs): These are small, embroidered pieces of fabric that clergy of all ranks use to wrap their wrists. They symbolize the bonds with which the sinless hands of our Lord were bound.
II. Sacred Vestments of the Priest:
In addition to the sticharion and the epimanika, which are common to all ranks, priests also wear the following sacred vestments:
a. The Epitrachelion: This vestment signifies the priestly rank and hangs down the front of the priest's neck.
b. The Zone (Belt): This is a wide belt made of fabric that the priest wears around his waist. It serves as a reminder that priests must always be prepared to confront evil.
c. The Phaelonion: This is a long cape that the priest wears over the sticharion and the epitrachelion. The phelonion is shorter at the front.
d. The Epigonation: This is a diamond-shaped, embroidered piece of fabric that hangs from the priest's belt down to the right side. It is worn by priests of higher ecclesiastical rank, such as archimandrites, protopresbyters, etc.
III. Sacred Vestments of the Bishop:
In addition to the sticharion, the epimanika, the zone, and the epigonation, bishops wear the following sacred vestments:
a. The Sakkos: This is a short tunic with short sleeves, adorned with bells sewn into its seams.
b. The Omophorion: This is a broad ribbon worn over the shoulders by bishops. It symbolizes the lost sheep that the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, carried on His shoulders. Bishops are likewise tasked with seeking out sinners and bringing them into the rational flock of the Church.
c. The Mandyas (Mantle): This is a long, colorful vestment with various symbolic representations. It is tied at the neck, and the end is held by a deacon or subdeacon or altar server. The bishop wears it during other holy services, except for the Divine Liturgy.
d. The Mitra (Miter): This is the official headpiece of the bishop, resembling an imperial crown and adorned with a small cross at the top.
e. The Engolpion: This item derives from an ancient custom of wearing a small icon of the Theotokos (Mother of God) in an oval shape around the neck with a chain. Bishops may wear the engolpion when not participating in holy services.
f. The Pastoral Staff or Crosier: This staff is topped with a small cross between two serpents, symbolizing the visible and invisible enemies of the Church, which are conquered by the Holy Cross. The pastoral staff serves as a reminder to bishops of their obligation to shepherd the people of the Lord and to correct those who go astray.
IV. Other Sacred Vestments:
a. The Cross: This is a symbol of self-denial and authority. It hangs from the neck of the bishop and is also worn by deserving priests, archimandrites, and others.
b. The Epirriptarion or Epanokalimavchon (Hood): This is the black fabric worn over the kalimavchi (clerical hat). It is identical for hieromonks and monks, symbolizing their renunciation of the world.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community of Hamilton
22 Head Street, Hamilton ON L8R 1P9
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