Books of the Church & Priestly Vestments

Books of the ChurchThe Church has prepared five

readings for each Liturgy; the Pauline Epistle, the Catholic Epistle, the Acts (Praxis), the Sinaxarium, and the Gospel

These readings provide an opportunity for biblical contemplation and teaching.

These readings are in addition to the readings said during the raising of Vespers and Morning Incense

During periods of fasting and feasts, prophecies are read.

Jonah’s fast, Weekday Lent, Holy Week

Psalmodia book Books for marriages, funerals,

Lakkan (raising of water), feast of the cross...among others

Three liturgical books (St Basil, St Gregory, and St Cyril)

Hymn books

Priestly Vestments God ordered Moses to make special

garments for Aaron his brother (and the Levites), and the priests to use at the time of the service, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and beauty.....to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest” (Ex 28:2-3)

The passage mentions these garments: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban and a sash. (see video)

Service vestments are white

Why are the vestments white?“Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment (Ps 104:2)

“ And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow,…”(Dan 7:9).

The transfiguration (Matt 17:2)“And she saw two angels in white sitting,” (Jn

20:12)“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white

garments…”(Rev 3:5).“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine

linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8).

Symbol of purity, cleanliness, and innocence

The tunic (tonia)It is the white robe worn by all

the ranks (Bishop, presbyter and deacon)

The stole: (batrashil)This is the red wide ribbon that

surrounds the shoulders of the deacon and it takes the shape of a cross from the back

It reminds the deacon of the blood of Jesus that saves, and readiness for service

Breastplate/chestpieceSee video

The cuffsThose are two pieces of cloth that

covers from the wrist to the elbow of the priest (Bishop)...

The old traditions says they were two handkerchiefs the priest used to have them during the service to wipe his tears.

The girdleIt is a belt that goes around the

priest’s waist

The taylassan (priests only)It is the head cover…and it is like the

twenty four elders who had their crowns while they stands before God…it reminds the priest with the honor and glory of his divine service

Other garmentsThe crown (bishop only)The cope (bornus)The ballin: (only bishop)The shield: (only bishop)