A Deep Dive Into Orthodox Vestments

Posted by Alex Smith on January 19th, 2022

The clergy in the Orthodox church includes the Readers, Subdeacons, Deacons, Priests and the Bishops. During their ministerial service, they wear liturgical and non-liturgical vestments, commonly called Orthodox vestments. These vestments can be considered the uniform of the clergy. It draws a clear distinction between the clergy and the parishioners (laity). In addition to this, Orthodox Priest vestments also symbolize the fact that the clergy works and ministers on behalf of the Lord and the Angels. This article is a deep-dive into the different vestments worn by the clergy In Orthodox churches across the globe.

The cassock (inner and outer garment)

The cassock is a non-liturgical Orthodox vestment worn by the clergy. It comes in various colors, depending on the marital status of the clergy and the church they belong to. For instance, unmarried Russian Orthodox clergy wear black colored cassocks, and those that are married may wear lighter colored cassocks. Cassocks symbolize the death of the clergy to all things concerning the world and dedication to things of the Lord.

The stikharion (baptismal robe)

The stikharion, or the baptismal robe, is the first piece of liturgical vestments worn by the clergy of the Orthodox church across the globe. The Priests and Bishops wear the robe underneath all of their other vestments, and the Deacons wear it as their outermost vestment. The Greek Orthodox vestment of stikharion, is a simple white robe with golden or silver borders. It is usually made of materials like silk, cotton, or satin with delicate embroidery on the borders. The stikharion symbolizes salvation and new life, and this is why it is also worn by every parishioner on the day of their baptism.

The Pectoral Cross

The pectoral cross is worn by Bishops and Priests in the Orthodox church. It is a large cross that falls on the chest of the clergy wearing it. It is different from the cross pendant worn by parishioners in that it depicts Christ on the cross and bears the INBI inscription that was placed above His head at His crucifixion. This is an Orthodox Priest vestment that is given to the clergy as a reward for their faithful service. Pectoral crosses are made of materials like wood, German silver, brass, ivory, etc. and come in various sizes.

The mitre(headband of bishops)

The mitre is an Orthodox vestment worn by the Bishops and some Priests, as well as Archimandrites. It is a symbol of the position held by the Orthodox Bishop and these othe clergy ranks and forms a part of the ceremonial dress that they wear. The shape of the headband is like that of a bulbous crown and draws its inspiration from the imperial crown of the Byzantine Empire. They are typically constructed from materials like velvet and wool and decorated intricately with embroidery and jewels. On the mitre, one can find four icons, usually that of the Cross, Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist, the Most Holy Theotokos, etc. And atop the crown is an upright cross. The mitre comes in a variety of liturgical colors red and gold, white and gold, red and white, etc.

All these Orthodox vestments can be bought online and will be shipped right to your doorstep.