ON THE PRIESTLY GARB

The priest's TONSURE represents the head of Peter the apostle, whose head was shaved, in contempt, by those who did not believe. Christ, however, changed dishonor into honor, ridicule into praise and placed on it a most precious crown. 

The priestly STOLE is the robe of Aaron foreshadowing the stole of the flesh of Christ dyed by His blood. It shows that the priest is the servant of the High Priest, Jesus Christ.

The unbelted PHELONIA is in imitation of Christ who went to His crucifixion unbelted.

The embroidery on the arms of the alb shows the bonds of Christ as He was led to Caiaphas. The embroidery on the sides of the alb shows the blood which flowed from the side of Christ.

The EPITRACHILION represents the cloth placed on Christ which was on His neck as He walked to His passion.

The OMOPHORION is a cloth worn on the left shoulder. The bishop's omophorion was made of wool representing his responsibility of carrying on his shoulder the lost sheep.

St. Germanus, "On the Divine Liturgy"

(04-02-03)