Sticharion

VALENTINA IZMIRLIEVA

The sacramental vestment (Russian Podrizhnik) worn as an outer garment by deacons and sub-deacons and as the under­garment by bishops and priests. It is a long narrow robe that buttons down both sides and features an embroidered cross on the back. Its symbolic prototypes are Aaron’s robe (ποδήρης, Ex. 25.7, 28.4) and Christ’s “seamless tunic” (Jn. 19.23). It is usually white, symbolizing purity and the light of divine glory (Rev. 7.14). The priest’s gar­ment is covered by the phelonion and made of simple white fabric with narrow sleeves tied at the cuff. The wider-sleeved deacon’s garb, usually made of brocade, bears decorative stripes that symbolize the power and grace bestowed through Christ’s bonds.

SEE ALSO: Phelonion