The Garments of Salvation

by Krista West

  Storage of Vestments and Paraments

  The proper storage of vestments and paraments is as important as their proper cleaning in order to ensure maximum longevity.

  Vestments that are in frequent use can be hung on wide hangers (either large hangers designed for suits or wide, padded hangers) in the church sacristy. Vestments used infrequently should be folded in the “off-season” and stored on hangers only when in use (e.g., dark vestments for Great Lent can be folded for most of the year, then hung on hangers during Great Lent). The reason for folding vestments used infrequently is that the brocade and lining fabrics will stretch slightly over time, although not necessarily at the same rate, which means a vestment such as a phelonion or deacon’s sticharion hung on a hanger without being regularly worn may eventually have its lining stretch enough to fall below the brocade. This situation is mitigated in the case of vestments frequently worn because regular wear allows the fabrics to be shaped by the body and keeps the brocade and lining in better overall alignment over time.

  Paraments should be either stored on hangers or folded and kept in drawers.

  Pest Protection

  It is wise to keep some kind of pest protection in the same space where the vestments and paraments are stored. The best option is muslin bags containing cedar chips, herbal mixes, or lavender. Note that most pests that destroy fabric actually feed on the perspiration, dirt and debris in the fabric, not the fabric itself, so regular cleaning is the best way to insure that vestment pieces remain pest-free.

  Storing Epitaphoi

  Since the epitaphios is used only during Holy Week and the Paschal season, it is imperative that it be stored in an appropriate manner, both to show due reverence and ensure maximum longevity. If an epitaphios is to be hung it must have a very sturdy casing sewn to the back along the entire top length. It can then be either hung on a dowel or drapery rod, or stored in a shadow-box-type frame. If the piece is hung on display throughout the year, care should be taken that the weight of the piece is evenly distributed along the top edge (hooks should not be used solely at the corners). It is traditional to hang the epitaphios on the west wall of the nave above the main doors.

  Long-Term Storage of Vestments

  For vestments that need to be stored long-term, choose acid-free boxes and store in a well-ventilated, dry area using acid-free tissue paper inside the garments. Do not store in cedar chests, wood boxes, or non-acid-free boxes (such as a regular cardboard box) as some woods and wood fibers can off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into their environment which will weaken fabric fibers over time, damaging the dyes, fibers, and metal threads.

  Insuring Vestments

  It is important to verify that vestments and paraments are covered under the parish’s insurance policy at their full replacement value. A special rider may need to be included on the policy. It is best to take photographs as well. Insurance agents can provide further details.

  Proper Cleaning and Care of Cassocks

  Cassocks should to be cleaned according to their fiber content. Most polyester fabrics, hemp, and poly-cotton blends can be machine-washed, but wool, wool blends, and silks need to be dry-cleaned.

  To machine-wash a cassock, use cold or cool water and the delicate or hand-wash cycle and wash the garment by itself (not with other laundry). Hang dry for maximum longevity and to avoid shrinkage. For the initial wash after purchasing the garment, add one cup of white vinegar without soap to the wash to help set the dye. If needed, a low-heat iron can be used to put the pressed creases in the sleeves and along the center back, but it is best to test the iron on an inside portion of the hem to make sure the fabric can tolerate the heat. A cassock may also be hand-washed in a large tub or sink.

  For cassocks that are dry-cleaned, instruct the dry-cleaner to put in pressed creases in the sleeves (pressed inside-out) and along the center back from collar to hem (pressed right side out); these creases help facilitate proper folding of the garments.

  The required frequency of cassock cleaning will vary significantly, depending on how often the garment is worn and what fiber it is made from. Wool and hemp are naturally anti-bacterial and will not retain odors; polyester and polyester-blends are not and so may need to be cleaned more frequently.

  To Remove Dirt from Exorasa Hems

  Frequently after the committal at a cemetery, there will be mud or dirt stains on the hem of an exorason. Hang the garment for a day until the dirt has fully dried, then take a stiff brush (preferably a brass-bristle tailor’s brush) and brush off as much dirt as possible. Following this treatment, have the garment dry-cleaned.

  Disposal of Vestments

  When vestments or paraments have reached the end of their life, they must be disposed of by either being buried (less desirable) or burned. Because many newer vestments contain synthetic materials, burning should always take place out of doors, never in an enclosed space. Typically, a set of vestments can be burned until only ashes and metal parts such as buttons and cuffs remain; these ashes may then be buried.

  Cassocks may be disposed of in the same manner.

  Notes

  1 These instructions apply only to modern vestments in current use. The care of antique and historic vestments should always be entrusted to a conservation expert.

  APPENDIX B

  Liturgical Color Guidelines

  This Liturgical Color Guide was originally compiled by His Grace, Bishop Basil, and is used with his permission. I have adapted his original and made note of specific color usages as they are commonly employed within the various Orthodox Christian jurisdictions of North America.

  Color According to Liturgical Date

  Date Bright/

  Dark Specific Color*

  Sept 1, Indiction of the Liturgical Year Bright Gold**

  Sept 2-7 Bright ***

  Sept 8-12, Nativity of Theotokos through Leavetaking (TL) Bright Blue, Gold

  Sept 13, Dedication of the Church of the Resurrection Bright Gold

  Sept 14-21, Elevation of the Cross TL Dark Burgundy, Red

  Sept 22-Nov 14 Bright ***

  Nov 15-20, Nativity Fast Dark Burgundy, Red

  Nov 21-25, Presentation of the Theotokos TL Bright Blue, Gold

  Nov 26-Dec 24, Nativity Fast Dark Burgundy, Red

  Dec 25-Jan 5, Nativity of the Lord Bright Gold, Red, White

  Jan 6-14, Theophany TL Bright Gold, Blue, White

  Jan 15-Feb 1 Bright ***

  Feb 2-9, Meeting of the Lord in the Temple TL Bright Blue, Gold

  Feb 10 through Cheesefare Sunday Bright ***

  Mar 25, Annunciation Bright Blue, Gold

  Great Fast and the Great and Holy Week

  Forgiveness Vespers

  Changed during Prokeimenon to Bright

  Dark Gold

  Purple, Burgundy, Black

  Weekdays of the Great Fast Dark Purple, Burgundy, Black

  Little Compline with Akathist Hymn Bright Blue, Gold

  Saturdays and Sundays Bright Gold, Bright Purple

  Some use Dark Purple

  Sunday of the Cross and the week following Dark Red, Burgundy

  Some use Dark Purple

  Saturday of the Akathist Hymn Bright Blue, Gold

  Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday Bright Gold, Green, Red

  Palm Sunday pm through Wednesday pm Dark Black, Purple, Burgundy

  Great Thursday Vesperal Divine Liturgy Dark Red, Burgundy

  Great Thursday pm through Friday pm Dark Black, Purple, Burgundy

  Great Saturday Vesperal Divine Liturgy Dark Black, Purple, Burgundy

  Changed during “Arise, O God” to Bright White, Gold

  Great & Holy Pascha Resurrection Service Bright White, Gold, Red

  Paschaltide (Agape Vespers through 40 days of Pascha) Bright White, Gold, Red

  Pentecost through Jun 28 Bright Green, Gold, White

  Jun 29-30 (Ss Peter and Paul) Dark Burgundy, Red

  Jul 1-31 Bright Green, Gold

  Aug 1-
15, Dormition Fast Dark Blue, Burgundy

  Aug 6, Transfiguration of the Lord Bright Gold, White

  Aug 7-12, Dormition Fast Dark Blue, Burgundy

  Aug 13, Leavetaking of Transfiguration Bright Gold, White

  Aug 14, Dormition Fast Dark Blue, Burgundy

  Aug 15-23, Dormition TL Bright Blue, Gold

  Aug 24-28 Bright ***

  Aug 29, Beheading of the Forerunner Dark Burgundy, Red

  Aug 30-31 Bright ***

  In addition to categorizing color by specific liturgical date, color usage may also be organized by either the general category of feast or season as follows:

  Color According to Category of Commemoration

  Date Bright/Dark

  Feasts of the Lord Bright

  Feasts of the Theotokos Bright

  Commemorations of the Cross Dark

  Commemorations of the Forerunner, Apostles & Martyrs Dark

  Commemorations of other Saints & Events Bright

  Color According to Season

  Date Bright/Dark

  Pascha through the Saturday before Pentecost Bright

  Pentecost through Jul 31 Bright

  Aug 1-23 Dark and Bright (see above)

  Aug 24 through Nov 14 Bright

  Nov 15 through Dec 24 Dark

  Dec 25 through Jan 14 Bright

  Jan 15 through Cheesefare Sunday Bright

  The Great Fast Dark

  Great and Holy Week Dark

  *Please note that these color recommendations, while based upon widely accepted usage, are not necessarily utilized by the entire Orthodox Christian community worldwide. As explained in Chapter 5, there is a great variety of color usage within the Church that is an accepted and laudable aspect of liturgical practice.

  **A note about gold: It is a common misperception that when rubrics state “gold,” the brocade used must be entirely gold, without admixture of any other color. This, however, is not the case in practice within the Orthodox Christian Church. “Gold” can mean any of the following color combinations: gold with white, white with gold, gold with red, gold with white and red, gold with white and other accent color (such as when a white/gold/blue brocade is used on general Sundays in a church dedicated to the Theotokos or when a white/gold/green brocade is used on general Sundays in a church dedicated to the Holy Spirit) or any multi-colored or floral brocade. For further information please see Chapter Five.

  ***As was explained in Chapter Five, specific colors within the “bright” category may include, but are not limited to: pure white; white with gold accents; gold with white accents; gold on gold; white with gold and red accents; gold with red accents; ivory with gold and burgundy embroidery; ivory with blue, green, and gold embroidery; white with gold and silver embroidery; multi-colored brocades with gold, silver, blue, green, coral, gold, and burgundy; white with silver accents; ivory or white with gold, green, and burgundy embroidery; blue with silver; blue with gold; white with blue; green with silver or gold; and white with green.

  APPENDIX C

  Vesting Prayers1

  Of the Deacon

  The deacon brings his sticharion, orarion and epimanikia to the priest. Facing east, the deacon makes three metanias, saying each time:

  Deacon:

  O God, be gracious unto me the sinner.

  He then says to the priest:

  Deacon:

  Bless, master, the sticharion with the orarion.

  The priest blesses them, saying:

  Priest:

  Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

  The deacon kisses the right hand of the priest and says Amen. The deacon then kisses the sticharion and puts it on, saying:

  Deacon:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for he hath clothed me with the garment of salvation, and with the robe of gladness hath he encompassed me. As a bridegroom he hath set a crown upon me, and as a bride hath he adorned me with ornament, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  While kissing the orarion and putting it on his left shoulder, he may say:

  Deacon:

  Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

  Kissing the right epimanikion, he puts it on, saying:

  Deacon:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

  Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; they right hand, O Lord, hath shattered thine enemies, and in the multitude of thy glory hast thou crushed thine adversaries, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Kissing the left epimanikion, he puts it on, saying:

  Deacon:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn thy commandments, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  The deacon then proceeds to the prosthesis and prepares the chalice, diskos, star, spear, cruets of water and wine, the prosphora, the aer, the chalice and diskos covers and the censer for the Proskomedia. After all has been prepared, the deacon joins the priest to wash their hands while the priest says, “I will wash my hands in innocence. . . .”

  Of the Priest

  Taking his sticharion in his left hand, the priest makes three metanias toward the east, saying each time:

  Priest:

  O God, be gracious unto me the sinner.

  Then he blesses the sticharion with his right hand and kisses it, saying:

  Priest:

  Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Putting it on, he says:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for he hath clothed me with the garment of salvation, and with the robe of gladness hath he encompassed me. As a bridegroom he hath set a crown upon me, and as a bride hath he adorned me with ornament, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Blessing the epitrachelion and kissing it, he puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Blessed is God, who poureth out his grace upon his priests, as oil of myrrh upon the head, which runneth down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, which runneth down to the fringe of his raiment, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Blessing the zone and kissing it, he puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Blessed is God, who girdeth me with power and hath made my path blameless, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Kissing the right epimanikion, he puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

  Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; they right hand, O Lord, hath shattered thine enemies, and in the multitude of thy glory hast thou crushed thine adversaries, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Kissing the left epimanikion, he puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn thy commandments, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  If he has the dignity of the epigonation, he blesses and kisses it, and puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Mighty One, in they comeliness and thy beauty, and proceed prosperously, and be king because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall guide thee wondrously, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Taking the phelonion, the priest blesses it (if there is an icon of Christ on the back of the phelonion, the priest does not bless it but simply kisses it), and puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let u
s pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Thy priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with righteousness, and thy holy ones shall rejoice with joy, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  If he has the dignity of the pectoral cross, he kisses it and puts it on, saying:

  Priest:

  Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

  Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

  Before performing the Proskomedia the priest, joined by the deacon, washes his hands, saying:

  Priest:

  I will wash my hands in innocence and I will compass thine altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of thy praise and tell of all thy wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of thy house, and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with the ungodly, nor my life with the men of blood, in whose hands are iniquities; their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, in mine innocence have I walked; redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in uprightness; in the congregations will I will bless thee, O Lord.