Historical Prospective of the Liturgy-Part VII

DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

VESTING

ipodiakonos zoran j. bobic

Vestments …first 3 centuries: Liturgical vestments are the official vesture for sacred functions;

Similar of those Jewish high priests of the Old Testament;

There were no vestments during the first 3 centuries;

In those centuries priest were in ordinary clothes;

However “Canons of Hippolytus” state ”…shall be in white clothes, more beautiful than those of the rest of the people” (Canon 37);

Linea – Tunica – Paenula;

In A.D. 330 Constantine gave “sacred robe” to his new cathedral Church in Jerusalem;

This robe had a shape of ordinary clothing of the day;

Only worn by the bishop at solemn baptisms of the paschal vigil;

Few decades later: Apostolic Constitutions created the rule for Bishop only;

Vestments …4th-6th century: Vestments were identical in form with secular holiday clothing;

They were exclusively reserved for religious functions;

A.D. 400 Isidore of Pelusim mentions first distinctive liturgical vestment: “omophorion”;

Worn by Bishop as symbol of their duties as shepherds of their flocks;

Late 6th century “orarion” and “omophorion” were only two liturgical vestments;

Vestments: Stikhar, Orar & Epitrakhil Accommodated verses from the Psalms must be read;

“stikhar” (any color but black) long garment reaching ankles;

“stikhar” is symbol of pure conscience; blameless life; spiritual joy…;

“orar” deacon’s looks different from that of the priest; it is narrow , long and hangs over his left shoulder; - this originated in Antioch;

Deacon “orar” symbolizes the flying angels;

“epitrakhil” = well you guessed it: - right !

“epitrakhil” indicates twofold nature of the priestly office;

“epitrakhil” symbolizes the grace of the priesthood being poured from above;

“epitrakhil” also symbolizes the yoke of the Lord, the burden of service in the sanctuary;

Vestment: Girdle = Belt (Greek ζώνη)

“girdle” = belt, tied at the back;

Practical purpose to hold “stikhar”;

From John 13:4 and Eph. 6:14;

Symbolizes readiness and preparedness for combat, toil and travel;

Introduction to this vestment is unknown;

In the 5th century we see for the first time, some Bishops have on in celebrating Eucharist;

After this it was adopted universally;

“girdle” is also the “God strength”;

By having “girdle” priest is left free in his movements to work with Christ;

By arming the priest with necessary strength, God makes his journey of life, his path blameless;

Vestment: Cuffs – “epimanikia” Worn over the ends of the sleeves of the stikhar;

Practical purpose;

This was Byzantine emperor’s dress;

Later patriarchs adopted them;

Later bishop began to wear, then priests, then deacons;

Note: Deacon started in the 7th century as privilege;

They symbolize the strength, the power of God;

Vestment: Phelon Outer, coat like, sleeveless garment;

“a garment covering all”

Known as: “polistaurion” (decorated with many crosses);

In the late 11th century this decoration started;

It went through gradual modification, prompted by difficulty during the celebration of the holy mysteries;

“phelon” is the principal vestment of the priest;

Putting “phelon” priest is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ;

This comes from Rom. 13:14 and Gal. 2:20;

Vestment: Deacon’s Vesting Deacon vests at the same time as the priest;

Stikhar prayer is the same as for the priest;

Deacon Stikhar has the same meaning as for the priest;

Orar goes to his left shoulder (no prayers);

Cuffs prayers are the same as for the priest;

Deacon cuffs have same meaning as for the priest;

Prior to the 13th century deacon and priest vested in silence;

In 13th – 14th century we see for the first time Deacon asking priest for blessing before vesting;

Vestments: Final thoughts Before the introduction of the Constitution of Philotheus - no special

prayers;

Later came question of order and the text to be said;

In 4th century vesting was still utilitarian function;

Without ceremony;

No symbolic meaning;

Beginning sometime before 13th century, prayers were established to be said;

For example: the prayer for “phelon” remained same for 700 years;

For example: the present prayer for the “belt” is that of the 15th century, said when putting on the “epitrakhil”;

For example: prayer for “belt” is now recited for the bishop’s “epigonation”